Alaska
Alaska has recently acquired a high-speed scanner to allow for electronic transmission of records
in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. This has produced a much more efficient way to
quickly respond to requests.
California
Use of videoconference equipment in meetings and training
Having several locations in the state that support videoconference, the program has extensively used
videoconference as an effective tool for managers to attend meetings locally, rather than traveling
to the meeting location. It has been a benefit to many managers and an effective use of their time.
Training can now be viewed at several locations in the state for those who do not have to be
physically present at the training site.
Testing and development of wireless communication
Field work is best supported by the concept of the virtual office. Today, there are many options to
link with the Internet, information network and federal integrated management information system
without having to be in the office. Cellular phones and wireless data link provide information and
act as a conduit to receive and send information.
Fourth-generation digital camera deployment
Advances in digital photography, coupled with a law enforcement system for data retrieval and
cataloging, provide field personnel the ability to review pictures of the site immediately and
prepare cases without having to wait for film processing. The new systems also can take short video
clips using the same camera, effectively giving the field personnel a camera and camcorder in one
unit.
Update of industrial hygiene equipment and testing of new products
in the market
This has been ongoing. As a result, some old equipment has been replaced with modern versions that
are easier to carry and are user friendly, such as photo ionization detector equipment, personal air
sampling pumps, etc.
Improvement of Web sites (Technology Services and Calico Lab)
This resulted in increased access and better information management. Posting the information at the
site that can be accessed by all concerned provides information dissemination. Because the sites can
be accessed from all locations, information can best be sent and updated to all using this site.
Use of the global positioning system (GPS) as a locating tool
to accurately describe the site when landmarks or street information is not available
More and more, field operations have used GPS information to give an accurate location of the site.
It is also used to guide field personnel to the site using geological maps.
Text messaging on cell
Text messaging provides field personnel for assignments and scheduling of work. It also is an
inexpensive way of broadcasting information to all field personnel or to selected groups of field
personnel.
Maryland
In fiscal-year 2002, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)
initiated a centralized database that allows management to view field inspection data in "real time."
During fiscal-year 2004, improvements and additions to the centralized database were made that
included inventory control, as well as access to staff training data, video library, MPIA responses
and accounts receivables. Independent of the federal integrated management information, MOSH has
linked administrative and regional databases. This allows management real-time information about
case location and processes ranging from citation issuance to the appeals process.
Michigan
Michigan continues to update its Internet capabilities, to provide improved access to standards,
education and training materials, and employee/employer forms. In fiscal-year 2004, Michigan OSHA
(MIOSHA) produced its first online training program. The training, a PowerPoint presentation,
provides an overview of the MIOSHA Standard Part 554, Bloodborne infectious diseases (BID), in a
train-the-trainer format.
Employees can now file a notice of alleged safety and health violation (complaint) via e-mail. The
form may be completed and submitted via the Internet. A copy of the completed form is sent to the
appropriate enforcement division. MIOSHA has also released Forms 300, 300A and 301 in Microsoft
Excel. This allows employers to record information in an electronic format using a personal
computer.
MIOSHA public notices of new, amended and rescinded standards are now being sent via the Internet.
In addition, MIOSHA standards are available in both hypertext mark-up language (HTM or HTML) and
portable document format (PDF). This dual format allows greater access to employees and employers
who may need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Minnesota
MNOSHA conducts ongoing evaluations of potential new equipment and technology. In fiscal-year 2004,
MNOSHA evaluated: a laser trench measuring device; digital voice recorders; higher strength zoom
digital cameras; and a new handheld computer device. As a result of these evaluations, MNOSHA
decided to purchase digital voice recorders for safety investigators. The interviews conducted
during an inspection are now saved on CD with the digital pictures. The higher strength zoom digital
camera has been purchased for construction and Greater Minnesota investigators. The handheld
computer device was found to be most useful for health and Greater Minnesota investigators. Another
pilot group will use these devices in fiscal-year 2005.
In an effort to become more efficient and customer-service oriented, MNOSHA began making forms
available online. Employers can access several progress report and notice of contest forms.
Nevada
Nevada OSHA and the Safety Consultation and Training Section continually strive to take
advantage of currently available technological advances. The introduction of digital cameras during
inspections and consultation visits, combined with the procurement of new computers, has increased
the effectiveness and efficiency of compliance officers and consultants. The inherent gains in the
processing speed and memory of the newer computers allowed digital imaging to be a feasible
alternative to conventional photos. The consultants provide the photos of the hazards as part of
their service, so companies can use these in their training. It was evident from the onset that
digital imaging reduced operating costs compared to the use of conventional photos; the costs of film
and photo processing were virtually eliminated.
North Carolina
North Carolina has fully implemented the CSHO and consultant applications. This is a stand-alone
system that supports time-efficient report preparation in the field. This approach translates into
less report writing time and more on-site inspection activity. The state has also become a key
player in the integrated management information system redesign effort through participation on the
Information Systems Council.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico OSHA’s Legal Division worked on the amendment of Regulation 1903 to take videos and
digital photos without court delays.
South Carolina
The Office of South Carolina OSHA Enforcement made the move to digital cameras
three years ago. They have been well-received by the inspectors and other staff members who review case
files. The cameras print directly onto a disc, which is placed with the file for easy access for review.
Because the cameras use small discs, one is used for each inspection. There have not been any technical
or legal issues to date.
Tennessee
Tennessee OSHA has equipped all compliance officers with five mega pixel digital cameras capable
of recording digital video. The digital photographs are used to document case files and can also be
used as a training aid.
Tennessee OSHA publishes, on its Web site, an annual review of fatalities investigated during the
previous year, including any citation that may be issued.
Tennessee OSHA now digitally scans all closed inspection files. This allows electronic access to
these files in all Tennessee OSHA area offices. It also eliminates the need for shelf storage of the
files.
Utah
Utah has commenced using special software that allows still frames to be made from inspection
videos. The still frames are used to document specific safety and health violations. Utah also uses
special hardware to allow inspectors to view inspection videos on their computer monitors.
All inspectors have digital cameras for use on inspections. Transfer of digital photos is now made
to the Windows EX-version of the PC CSHO Consultation Application that runs on updated PCs that have
color printing and DVD storage and retrieval for case file data and related photography.
Virginia
Virginia now uses the Web-based Whistle Blower application for handling discrimination cases and
running reports. In addition, overall information technology system security has been enhanced and
upgraded. Novell Netware has been added.
Washington
In 2002, Washington began implementation of a new Web-based system for
collecting WISHA inspection and consultation visit data. The consultation application in the WISHA
Information Network (WIN) was implemented in August 2002. The compliance application was implemented in
April 2003. Consultants and compliance inspectors are responsible for direct entry of visit-related data
into the system, which reduced lag times by replacing redundant processes. In the past, paper forms were
completed either by hand or electronically and submitted to the central office for data entry into the
federal integrated management information system (IMIS).
Many data fields are now pre-filled with employer information transported from Washington’s
industrial insurance data system or WISHA data entered on a previous screen, improving consistency
and data integrity. Another significant advantage of the WIN system that enhances the quality of
WISHA’s data was the ability to build in "business rules," so all required information must be
entered correctly before the record can be saved and forwarded to the supervisor for review and
approval. The supervisory review process includes electronic approval signatures, but supporting
documentation in paper files is still reviewed as well. While there have been some unexpected
challenges to overcome, the development and implementation of Washington’s WIN system, with its
resulting efficiencies and improved timeliness, has been a resounding success.
Next Section: State incentives: promoting voluntary compliance»
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