| Simplifying Oxygen Signage Requirements | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Simplifying-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements-.aspx | Simplifying Oxygen Signage Requirements | | | | | 3/4/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Managing life safety compliance is a complex, multi-faceted task. It requires knowledge in multiple codes, utilization of the proper code editions, and determination of which requirements are applicable to your building. This blog post will break down the requirements around oxygen signage. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Healthcare Facilities Code® (NFPA 99) contains most of the requirements related to oxygen systems, storage and signage. CMS has adopted the 2012 edition of NFPA 99. Oxygen signage requirements fall into two categories: signage for oxygen storage and signage when oxygen is in use. </span></div><div><br></div><div>When oxygen cylinders or containers are stored within an enclosure, a precautionary sign is required on the door or gate that is readable from a distance of five feet away. The signage must include the following wording:<br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Simplifying-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements-/Oxygen.png" alt="Oxygen.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>This requirement is intended to apply to rooms and enclosures where multiple cylinders are being stored. It is not necessary to place signage everywhere an oxygen cylinder is located in a building. For example, cylinders available for emergency use on carts, at nurse stations, and staged in small quantities are not subject to oxygen storage signage requirements. </div><div> </div><div>The signage requirements that apply when oxygen is being utilized in the building depend on the facility’s smoking policy. A facility that prohibits smoking is only required to provide precautionary signage at the building’s major entry points. However, a facility that allows smoking must provide precautionary signage wherever supplemental oxygen is in use, including the aisles and walkways leading to such areas. In all cases, the signage must be readable from a distance of five feet away. The annex section of NFPA 99 suggests signage be no smaller than 8 X 11 inches and include the following wording and symbol: </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Simplifying-Oxygen-Signage-Requirements-/Oxygen2.png" alt="Oxygen2.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div><br><div>Finally, if liquid oxygen is used in the building and transfilling occurs – where liquid oxygen is transferred from a base reservoir container to portable liquid oxygen containers <span style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;background-color:#ffffff;">–</span> signage must be posted at the transfilling location indicating that transfilling is occurring and smoking is not permitted in the immediate area. <br></div><div><br></div><div>The detailed requirements for oxygen signage can be found in Chapter 11 (Gas Equipment) of NFPA 99. NFPA provides a <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/free-access" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">free viewer</a> where you can access codes and standards on their website. Hardcopy and user-friendly on-line subscriptions are also available for a fee at <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.nfpa.org</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>AHCA is always available to support members with life safety compliance questions. Inquiries can be emailed to <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. <br></div><br></div><br></div><div> <br></div><p></p> | Managing life safety compliance is a complex, multi-faceted task. | |
| Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping and the Injury Tracking Application (ITA): Complying With the 2024 Requirements | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Navigating-OSHA-Recordkeeping-and-the-Injury-Tracking-Application-(ITA)-Complying-With-the-2024-Requirements.aspx | Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping and the Injury Tracking Application (ITA): Complying With the 2024 Requirements | | | | | 3/4/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Introduction </strong></span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Under <a href="https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904.41" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">OSHA Standard 1904.41 - Electronic submission of Employer Identification Number (EIN) and injury and illness records to OSHA</a>, certain employers are required to electronically submit their Employer Identification Number (EIN) and injury and illness records to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This mandate, part of the broader push for improved workplace safety transparency, has gained momentum in recent years. A cornerstone of this effort is the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), introduced through the "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule. The ITA provides an electronic platform for employers to report injury and illness data, marking a significant shift toward greater accountability and accessibility of workplace safety information. </span></div><div><br></div><div>This article explores OSHA recordkeeping, the ITA’s role, and its implications for LTC employers, including key metrics like the Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>History </strong></div><div><br></div><div>The journey toward electronically submitting injury and illness data began with the "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule, first issued by OSHA in May 2016. The rule aimed to enhance the tracking of workplace incidents and boost transparency by making certain data publicly available. The initial requirement for electronic submissions took effect on January 1, 2017, rolled out in phases to ease the transition for employers. </div><div><br></div><div>The most significant update came with the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/final-rule" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Final Rule</a>, announced by the Department of Labor and effective January 1, 2024. This expanded the scope of the original regulation, requiring detailed reporting from employers in high-hazard industries. The updated rule mandates the inclusion of specifics such as the date, physical location, and severity of each injury or illness; details about the affected worker; and a description of how the incident occurred. One year into its implementation, the 2024 rule has solidified OSHA’s commitment to data-driven safety oversight, with 2025 as a critical year for assessing its impact. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Who Must Comply? </strong></div><div><br></div><div>The 2024 final rule outlines clear criteria for LTC employers required to submit data via the ITA: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Recordkeeping Requirements:</strong> Establishments in designated industries with 20 to 249 employees must electronically submit their injury and illness summary data (Form 300A) annually. See <a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/naics-codes-electronic-submission" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">OSHA’s list of covered industries</a> for details. Additionally, certain LTC employers with 250 or more employees, as well as those in high-hazard sectors, may face expanded reporting obligations. <br></li><li><strong>Long Term Care Operators:</strong> While some exemptions apply, most operators in this sector must submit at least partial data, reflecting the rule’s broad reach across industries. <br></li><li><strong style="font-size:11pt;">Resources:</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"> OSHA has an ITA <em>Coverage</em> Application that helps determine your specific requirements based on your number of employees and industry classification. See </span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/itareportapp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">ITA Coverage Application</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>The ITA Submission Process </strong></div><div><br></div><div>The Injury Tracking Application is OSHA’s centralized platform for electronic submissions, streamlining the reporting process. Employers can access the ITA portal at <a href="https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ita" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">osha.gov/injuryreporting/ita</a> to submit their data, typically due by March 2 of each year for the prior calendar year’s records. The process involves: </div><div><ol><li><strong style="font-size:11pt;">Collecting Data: </strong><span style="font-size:11pt;">LTC employers must compile accurate records from OSHA Forms 300, 301, and 300A, depending on their size and industry. </span></li><li><strong style="font-size:11pt;">Submitting Electronically:</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"> Via the ITA, LTC employers upload the required information, including the newly mandated details from the 2024 rule. </span></li><li><strong style="font-size:11pt;">Verification:</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"> OSHA provides tools within the ITA to ensure submissions are complete and compliant. </span></li></ol></div><div><br></div><div>For detailed guidance, visit the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">ITA page</a>. As of 2025, OSHA continues to refine the platform, addressing user feedback from the 2024 submission cycle to improve accessibility and functionality. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Injury and Illness Rat</strong><strong>es: Understanding DART and Incidence </strong></div><div><br></div><div>Tracking workplace safety metrics is essential for compliance and performance evaluation. Two key indicators stand out: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Incidence Rate (Total Recordable Rate):</strong> This measures the total number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, offering a broad view of workplace safety. </li><li><strong style="font-size:11pt;">DART Rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred): </strong><span style="font-size:11pt;">A more focused metric, the DART rate assesses the severity of incidents by tracking those resulting in days away from work, restricted duties, or job transfers. Calculated per 100 full-time employees, it highlights the tangible impact of injuries and illnesses on the workforce. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>The DART rate is widely used to benchmark safety performance across companies and industries. For LTC employers subject to ITA reporting, maintaining a low DART rate not only reflects a safer workplace but also aligns with OSHA’s goals of reducing severe incidents. As data from 2024 submissions become publicly available in 2025, LTC employers can expect increased scrutiny of their DART rates, making accurate recordkeeping more critical than ever. </div><div><br></div><div><strong style="font-size:11pt;">Looking Ahead in 2025 </strong></div><div><br></div><div>One year after the 2024 final rule’s implementation, LTC employers are adapting to its demands while OSHA evaluates its effectiveness. The expanded data requirements have heightened transparency, allowing stakeholders—from regulators to workers—to better understand workplace safety trends. For LTC employers, compliance goes beyond avoiding penalties; it’s an opportunity to leverage ITA data for internal safety improvements. </div><div><br></div><div>As we move deeper into 2025, staying informed about OSHA’s evolving standards and mastering the ITA process will remain essential. By prioritizing accurate recordkeeping and proactive safety measures, LTC employers can meet regulatory demands while fostering a safer, more accountable workplace. For any questions, please email <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">regulatory@ahca.org</a>. <br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Notes on Hyperlinks </strong></div><div><ol><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904.41" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>OSHA Standard 1904.41</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Links to the official regulation text. </li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/final-rule" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Final Rule</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>:</strong> Links to the July 17, 2023, announcement of the final rule, assumed still relevant. </span></li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/naics-codes-electronic-submission" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Covered Industries</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>: </strong>Links to the NAICS codes for electronic submission requirements. </span></li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/itareportapp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>ITA Coverage Application</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>:</strong> Links to the ITA coverage details. </span></li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ita" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>ITA Info Page</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>:</strong> Links to the main ITA portal and instructions. </span></li><li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>ITA Sign in Page</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>:</strong> Where you can sign in with login.gov OR create a new ITA user account. </span></li></ol></div> | Under OSHA Standard 1904.41 EIN and injury and illness records to OSHA, certain employers are required to electronically submit their EIN and injury and illness records to the OSHA. | |
| OSHA Severe Injury Report Dashboard | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Severe-Injury-Report-Dashboard-.aspx | OSHA Severe Injury Report Dashboard | | | | | 9/17/2024 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>On September 4, 2024, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) <a href="https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/20240904" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">announced launch</a> of a new <a href="https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Severe Injury Report dashboard</a>. This online tool allows the public to search its severe injury report database and view trends related to workplace injuries in states covered by federal OSHA since 2015. Users can download data by year, industry, state, establishment name, and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) codes. Nursing homes (NAICS code 623110), assisted living communities (NAICS code 623312), and ID/DD communities (NAICS code 623210) are among the searchable industries. </div><div><br></div><div>OSHA has become increasingly focused on oversight of workplace incident recordkeeping. AHCA recommends that all long term care providers refresh their awareness of OSHA's <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Recordkeeping-and-Reporting-A-Guide-to-Determination.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">recordkeeping and reporting requirements</a> and ensure that their policies are compliant with current regulations. </div><div><br></div><div>Questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">regulatory@ahca.org</a>. <br></div><p></p> | On September 4, 2024, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration announced launch of a new Severe Injury Report dashboard. | |
| OSHA Publishes Proposed Rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Publishes-Proposed-Rule-on-Heat-Injury-and-Illness-Prevention-in-Outdoor-and-Indoor-Work-Settings.aspx | OSHA Publishes Proposed Rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings | | | | | 9/3/2024 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>On August 30, 2024, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings in the Federal Register. The proposed standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work across all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors under OSHA’s jurisdiction. The standard would require employers to develop a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplaces. It aims to clarify employer obligations and outline the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce the number of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by exposure to hazardous heat. </div><div><br></div><div>OSHA encourages public participation through the submission of comments. The NPRM is available on the <a href="https://federalregister.gov/d/2024-14824" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Federal Register website</a> and on the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Federal e-Rulemaking Portal</a>. You may submit comments and attachments electronically at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov</a>, Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009. Follow the online instructions for making electronic submissions. <strong>Comments must be submitted by December 30, 2024.</strong> When submitting comments or recommendations, commenters should explain their rationale and, if possible, provide data and information to support their input. </div><div><br></div><div>Additional information on the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking can be found <a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/rulemaking" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>. <br></div><p></p> | On August 30, 2024, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings in the Federal Register. | |