2023 was a year of resilience, pressure, and economic uncertainty for our industry. Naturally, many contractors (like you!) may be wondering how to make 2024 the best year yet for health, safety, and compliance. After all, safety first, bidding next.
As we get deeper into Q1 of the new year, work is gaining momentum and, with it, new challenges and questions.
Let’s get some clarity on some of this year’s FAQs about Contractor Management platforms and how you can conquer each quarter!
1. Question: What is the Deadline for Completing the Avetta® Annual Updates?
Answer: Each year, contractors must complete an annual update to remain compliant with safety regulations and qualified to perform work.
Avetta’s® system allows until March 31st for reporting completion. But be aware that deadlines may shift depending on the requirements of hiring clients and the platform you use. Also, remember that the review process can be lengthy, so contractors are advised to finish the process as soon as possible.
Here are some key aspects of Annual Updates to note for contractor safety and compliance:
- Purpose – To review changes to safety laws, regulations, and site requirements yearly. It ensures contractors are staying up-to-date on the latest compliance information.
- Requirements – Contractors may be required to review safety manuals, processes, and procedures that have changed in the past year. Additional training courses may also be needed.
- Qualification – Completing the Annual Update is necessary for contractors to maintain a prequalified status to bid and work on projects. Without completing it, you risk losing qualifications or compliance until it’s finished.
- Safety Promotion – This serves as a way to promote continual safety reinforcement for contractors. Understanding the latest practices and requirements leads to a safer worksite.
Staying current through the annual update is essential for contractors to legally and safely conduct work on regulated properties and projects.
2. Question: I Needed to Report Injuries on My OSHA Logs. What now?
Answer: Keep in mind that injuries and incidents will affect your safety status. Potential clients can have specific requirements that are directly connected to your safety metrics like LTR (Lost Time Rate), TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate), and DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred). Ensuring you have the accurate NAICS code listed on your OSHA logs is key to ensuring your TRIR is accurately reported for your industry.
With injuries, you’re likely to see a drop in your grades and may have to communicate that if your new submissions remove you from compliance.
This is why risk management and having good contractor management services are so crucial for contractors in the industry. With our expert knowledge we can assist with submitting a variance request to your clients which may mitigate failing compliance due to injuries.
3. Question: What Happens if My OSHA Logs Get Rejected?
Answer: You’ve reported injuries, illnesses, or safety-related incidents in your OSHA logs, but then you receive a notification that they’ve been rejected.
While your prequalification system should explain the reasons for the rejection, there are steps you can take to ensure accuracy on your part:
- Review and Identify Errors – Carefully go over the rejected logs and identify the specific errors, omissions, incomplete information, and any other reason they did not pass the audit.
- Resubmit the Logs – Once you’ve corrected the errors or issues, resubmit the updated logs to OSHA for review.
- Contact OSHA – As an extra step, you can contact OSHA and speak with the officer who reviewed your logs.
- Receive Professional Assistance – In the rare occurrence of more complex issues, you are within your rights to employ the help of professionals who can help identify gaps and ensure compliance with all OSHA standards.
4. Question: What is an EMR, and How Do You Calculate It?
Answer: EMR (Experience Modification Rating) is the calculation by insurance firms resulting from the cost of workers’ compensation insurance based on the level of risk. This calculation differs from contractor to contractor.
To receive it, talk to your workers comp insurance carrier. They will include it in policy documents or loss run statements.
Contractors can self-calculate using the past 3 years of premiums and losses. Then, receive the number using the regulatory body formulas. However, keep in mind that the official rate comes from insurance companies or State Bureau.
5. Question: What New Safety Technology Should be Expected in 2024?
Answer: Safety and compliance are top priorities in the construction, gas, and fuel industries. With new advancements in technology improving safety standards in the field, 2024 is shaping up to be one of the safest years yet.
What are enhanced protections available to you?
According to experts at Wright, contractors can look out for a mass adoption of wearable technology. This tech can monitor workers’ health, reporting on vitals and level of fatigue and alerting for potential hazards.
AI (artificial intelligence) is also making its way into the industry. Based on historical data and job-site conditions, AI programs can actively predict risks and help contractors deploy preventative measures to improve safety.
Training programs to educate workers on these new technologies can be a big step in creating a 100% safe and compliant work environment.
Conclusion: Answers to Contractor’s Most Pressing Questions Can Lead to a Better 2024
These are some of the most frequently asked questions in the industry at the start of the year. Getting clarity on some of these issues can put you in a better position to confidently maintain your safety qualifications and compliance.
Do you have more questions? We have the answers! Check out our FAQs page for more information, or contact us so our experts can guide you through any needs or concerns you have!