Dear safety group member                                                              November, 2018                                                          

                        NYSIF Now Offers Audit Document Uploading

The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) now allows policy holders to upload financial records on its website (nysif.com) using a secure server that automatically routes the documents to the correct auditor or business office.  Use of this new feature not only eliminates the annual on-site visit by NYSIF auditors, it will also help to resolve general audit-related issues or problems. 

Below are examples of forms that may be submitted:

  • Employee tax forms (1099, 1096, W2, W3) 
  • Income tax returns (1120, 1065, 1040, 990) 
  • Payroll tax returns (941, NYS45, NYS45 ATT) 
  • Contracts, bills and invoices (for labor, services and materials) 
  • Cash book (disbursements and receipts)
  • Check book/Day book with cash expenses 
  • Certificates of insurance for subcontractors used 
  • General ledger 
  • Payroll book

The agency urges insureds to utilize this time-saving and easy-to-use alternative to the conventional auditing process and asks them first to visit its website.  Next, enter the policy number and the audit number (or appointment ID) then click Preparing for Your Audit

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               Workplace Safety Programs Must Include Hearing Loss Prevention Too

Hearing loss among workers is common in the United States; some 12% of employed Americans suffer from it and 24% of this group have it because of workplace conditions.   In addition, about 8% has tinnitus (also known as “ringing in the ears”) and 4% has both hearing loss and tinnitus.

A noisy working environment may degrade hearing gradually over years, even decades, of exposure, so it is vital for employers to continually evaluate their workers, jobsites and factories to identify conditions that may be harmful then take the necessary steps to safeguard their employees. 

While most hearing loss is noise-induced, what may be less commonly known is that exposure to certain chemicals (Ototoxic) can cause it too (see list below):

  • Organic solvents (styrene, trichloroethylene, mixtures)
  • Heavy metals (mercury, lead, trimethyltin)

OSHA requires that employers provide “a safe and healthful workplace” so hearing loss prevention is no different from any other safety pre-caution and must not be overlooked.  Employers, however, may not be able to fully understand how to comply with this OSHA regulation since it may be more challenging when compared to eliminating other more easily identified workplace hazards

Any effective hearing conservation program must consist of two initiatives, detection and prevention. Fortunately, OSHA provides information and guidance for both tasks (see link to OSHA website below):

https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/new_noise/index.html

Please direct any questions or concerns to:

The Safety Division at Hamond Safety Management

Anthony Vacchio,   [email protected]   516-762-4224