OSHA Finally Gets Tough On Penalties
I worked for OSHA from 1974 until early 1978 and in those days the belief was that companies would fall all over themselves trying to comply with OSHA if we just visited them and “dropped off” a copy of the regulations. After all, who would argue with worker safety as a top business priority, right? The day I left OSHA, my boss, the Area Director asked me “why” people didn’t “get it” when it came to worker safety. The answer would be the same today as it was then – OSHA didn’t get the respect they should have because they made worker safety seem trivial and they sent this message by only attaching a minimal penalty to a seemingly comprehensive OSHA inspection. My answer to my boss then was “if you want to get people to take OSHA seriously you have to first get their attention and to do that you have to penalize the heck out of them”.
In a memo issued on April 22, 2010 to the OSHA Regional Administrators from the new Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Dr. David Michaels, he laid out the basics of a plan for increasing the penalty structure that OSHA will use. The reason for the increase is that a panel determined that “penalties are too low to have an adequate deterrent effect”. No surprise here. There are a number of changes that will be made in the manner by which penalties are calculated, the way in which discounts may be used, the value of the discounts and the degree to which “bad” experience with OSHA will impact the size of a penalty, generally to the up side.
Two of the most significant announcements pertain to what can happen at the Area Office level when someone requests an informal conference as the result of an inspection. Up until now, the Area Director has always had the ability to “discount” penalties at that meeting, mostly in the interest of getting the company that was cited to “accept” the citation and go about fixing the violations included in it. It was routine that the Area Director could, and would, offer up discounts as high as 50% to strike a deal right there and then. Under the new guidelines, the Area Director will be authorized to offer only up to a 30% discount and any additional discount will need to be authorized by the Regional Administrator. The Area Director will also be authorized to offer up to an additional 20% discount to employers with less than 250 employees if “that employer agrees to retain an outside safety and health consultant”. If an Expedited Informal Settlement Agreement is being sought, the Area Director can offer up to a 30% discount with an additional 20% if the employer commits to hiring an outside safety and health consultant.
The memo is available at OSHA’s website www.osha.gov in the “Latest News” section in the upper right corner.
“Planting the Seeds for Wellness” Fair
The Scott Lawson Companies (Concord, NH) held its first Wellness Fair on April 22nd. Local businesses and non-profit organizations participated in the free event organized by Workforce Wellness LLC. This was a great opportunity to experience a variety of approaches to health and wellness by showcasing vendors that specialize in a wide array of related disciplines.
Attendees were able to view the effects of sun exposure with a Derma Scan, indulge in a massage from Chichester Massage, and taste healthy foods prepared during a cooking demo. It was a ‘first’ for many to experience Reiki and acupuncture. Coppola Physical Therapy tested grip strength and Workforce Wellness LLC screened biometric measurements.
The Dover and Concord Police Departments entertained the crowd! People realized the visual effects of impairment by wearing the ‘beer goggles’. Attendees were reminded of the importance of wearing a safety belt after taking a ride in the car crash simulator.
There were many products to sample such as Badger Balm and Stonyfield Farm yogurt. Care providers such as Delta Dental, MVP Health Care and The Center for Health Promotion were well represented. Healthy recipes, nutrition and health information were exchanged.
The positive vibe and focus on healthy living was at the very foundation of this outstanding event! Thank you to all the exhibitors and organizations that donated their time, goods and services:
- American Cancer Society
- Arthritis Foundation
- Concord Community Acupuncture
- WS Badger (Badger Balm)
- Bikram Yoga Concord
- Center for Health Promotion
- Concord Police Department
- Coppola Physical Therapy
- Body Works Martial Arts
- Chichester Massage
- Delta Dental
- Dover Police Department
- Melcher & Prescott Insurance
- MVP Health Care
- Northeast Organic Farming Association
- Stonyfield Farm
- Workforce Wellness
Workforce Wellness to host HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness Seminar: Understanding Employee Health Options
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010
Contact: Jessica Chabot
Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-792-2200 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness to host HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness Seminar:
Understanding Employee Health Options
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a complimentary seminar entitled: HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness: Understanding Employee Health Options at The Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters in Concord, New Hampshire on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 9:00am.
William Bald of Melcher & Prescott and Jennessa Bissonnette of Workforce Wellness will discuss how Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) work, what makes them different, and how an employee wellness program can benefit your workplace. This presentation is free for all attendees courtesy of The Scott Lawson Companies, and a complimentary breakfast will also be provided.
To reserve your space today, contact Jennessa Bissonnette at jbissonnette@slgl.com or call (603) 228-0500 no later than February 12, 2010.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “This seminar will be extremely helpful in identifying how wellness programs directly affect a business’ bottom line. Workforce Wellness is dedicated to helping New Hampshire businesses determine wellness goals for their employees to achieve a healthier way of life.”
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Hosts Third Annual Breakfast of Champions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-792-2200 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Hosts Third Annual Breakfast of Chanpions
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, is pleased to announce that it will host its 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions to honor Wellness Program participants who made considerable lifestyle changes to improve their overall health in 2009. The Wellness Champions are nominated by their peers and will be acknowledged at their place of employment and at the 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions, which will be held at The Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters in Concord, NH on February 5, 2010 at 8:00am.
A total of 20 Wellness Program participants were selected as Wellness Champions for 2009. Noteworthy Wellness Champions include: David Ellison of Fitzwilliam, who lost 40 pounds and lowered his cholesterol; Judy Bernier of Jaffrey, Chris Garland of Acton, Emily Savoie of Nashua, and Debra Epling of Rochester, who all quit smoking; and Norm Fletcher of Manchester, who has recently completed a marathon.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We are very proud of all our Wellness Program participants, and are particularly pleased to have the opportunity to honor these extraordinary Wellness Champions at our 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions celebration. These individuals have shown remarkable commitment to improving their overall wellness, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication in achieving a healthier way of life.”
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, offers First Aid and CPR Class at Affordable Price
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Advertising
jchabot@millennium-advertising.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, offers
First Aid and CPR Class at Affordable Price
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, is pleased to offer an affordable First Aid and CPR class to local businesses. Workforce Wellness is offering a rate of $50 per person at the Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters on August 19th, 2009 from 8:00am -5:00pm.
First Aid and CPR classes are also being offered at a summer discount onsite for groups of eight or more with discounted instructor fees and rates that are subject to class size and travel distance. Workforce Wellness is also offering discount opportunities on AED equipment and training.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We view this as a great opportunity to offer affordable and effective First Aid and CPR training programs to benefit local businesses and ultimately the entire community.”
About Workforce Wellness
Workforce Wellness provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Sponsors Gold Medal Recipient Judy Caron
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21st, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company
Sponsors Gold Medal Recipient Judy Caron
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Judy Caron, 61, of Concord won the gold medal in her age group at the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, known as the toughest hillclimb in the world. Ms. Caron was sponsored by Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company.
With this victory, she has clinched the age group championship in the Bike Up the Mountain Points Series (BUMPS) consisting of eight hillclimb races across New England and New York.
“Ms. Caron’s achievements are remarkable. She is a dedicated and determined individual who seeks to live life to the fullest. We couldn’t be happier for her,” stated Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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Jennessa Bissonnette joins Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, in the Client Services Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
877-873-7445 ext. 203
Jennessa Bissonnette joins Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, in the Client Services Department
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, is pleased to announce that Jennessa Bissonnette has joined Workforce Wellness in the Client Services department.
Jennessa brings over 13 years of experience in client relations, training, and marketing to her role with Workforce Wellness. Her primary focus is to support the employee wellness goals of NH businesses. Her extensive marketing and client services background includes customer relations, client communications, training, technical support, project management, and event planning.
Jennessa has also served on the NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation as a dedicated school liaison and team lead. She has worked for Cigna Healthcare as a Quality Assurance Analyst, Claim Processor, and Customer Service Representative. Jennessa graduated in 2008 from Franklin Pierce University with a degree in Marketing and is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University. Jennessa is a member of the Human Resources Association of Greater Concord.
Stephanie Ceccherini, Wellness Coordinator for Workforce Wellness, states: “We are very pleased to have Jennessa as the newest addition to our wellness team. She is knowledgeable and dedicated in the areas of wellness and client relations, making her a valuable asset as we continuously work to provide the highest level of service to all of our clients.”
About Workforce Wellness
Workforce Wellness provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. SLGL is one of the leading worker health and safety and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ comp; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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The Scott Lawson Companies Announce the Kick-off of Platinum LEED Certified Green Building Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Advertising
jchabot@millennium-advertising.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
The Scott Lawson Companies Announce the Kick-off of LEED Certified Green Building Project
(Concord, NH) – The Scott Lawson Companies are proud to announce the kick-off of what is planned to be New Hampshire’s first Platinum LEED Certified Green Building project. Bounded by Interstate 393, Route 106 and Loudon Road in Concord, the new building is projected to span 30,000 to 40,000 square feet and will be visible from the highway. Design and construction plans for the LEED Building are already underway.
In the event that the new building meets the requirements for Platinum LEED certification, this will be the first and only
Platinum LEED Building in New Hampshire, one of only four Platinum LEED Buildings in all of New England, and will bring the total number of recorded Platinum-rated LEED buildings on the East Coast to fourteen. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. Once certified, the new Platinum LEED Building will become the headquarters for all of The Scott Lawson Companies, which include Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness, and will also provide commercial rental space for other businesses.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states “Our goal with this demonstrational project is to show local businesses that you can create highly energy efficient and environmentally beneficial office buildings without sacrificing modern technology and good taste. People often think that catering to environmental needs comes at the expense of style, convenience, and state-of-the-art design, but our project will serve to convince companies that all these benefits can essentially go hand-in-hand.”
“We are excited that Scott and his team are embarking on a state-of-the-art green building project in Concord,” says Ken Lurvey, Business Development Coordinator for the City of Concord. “This model illustrates an excellent example of how local businesses can work together to better the environment, while also inspiring growth and progress in our local economy.”
About the Scott Lawson Companies
Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd. and Workforce Wellness are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services, firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower health care costs.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and has served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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Becky Osburn Joins Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2008
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Advertising
jchabot@millennium-advertising.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
Becky Osburn Joins Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, is pleased to announce that Becky Osburn, RN, has joined Workforce Wellness.
Becky is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and her work experience includes New England College, Catholic Medical Center, and the Elliot Hospital. Becky’s diverse clinical nursing background includes surgical, orthopedics, neurological departments. Further experience includes patient education, pharmacy experience, and working as a nurse liaison. Becky also has training in chemical dependency and is currently working towards a degree in Health Promotion.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We are pleased to welcome Becky to our team. It is a pleasure to have her aboard and we look forward to the great work she will do with Workforce Wellness.”
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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The Scott Lawson Companies G.I.V.E. Back to the Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2008
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Advertising
jchabot@millennium-advertising.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
The Scott Lawson Companies G.I.V.E. Back to the Community
(Concord, New Hampshire) –The Scott Lawson Companies, through the Neighbors G.I.V.E. (Group Involved in Volunteer Efforts) program, will be donating asbestos abatement services for a brand-new 1,120 square foot home in Rindge, New Hampshire.
The recipients of the new home, Larry Harris and his wife Judy, have been active members of their community for nearly half a century. Mr. Harris has served the town as a firefighter, constable, and the New Hampshire Country School’s dog officer, security officer, and maintenance manager. According to Scott Brown, President of Neighbors G.I.V.E., “Surely he is a very worthy recipient. Not only has he worked for the town for 48 years, I’d say he’s helped every single person in the town in those 48 years.”
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We are honored to have the chance to contribute our services to this worthy cause and do our part in giving Mr. and Mrs. Harris a new home.
Neighbors G.I.V.E. is a wonderful organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives of deserving members of the community, and we are happy to be able to assist them in the great work that they do.” About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
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