PRISM Risk Control has developed several courses that are available at no additional charge on the Vector Solutions platform. Our latest course, PRISM: Suspicious Mail Handling, provides a basic understanding of the hazards of handling mail, how to protect against them, and how to react when suspicious mail is found. With elections taking place this year, it is a great opportunity to instruct employees on safe mail handling procedures. If you have any questions about accessing the course, please contact Doug McGill.

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) and the California legislature are considering new requirements to reduce rolling gate hazards. Gate failures due to improper maintenance, design, and fabrication have caused serious injuries and deaths nationwide. The proposed regulations would establish new minimum safety standards, addressing key concerns with solutions such as positive stops, covered wheels, and hardware designed to prevent a gate from falling more than 45 degrees from the vertical if it becomes detached from its support. While these regulations are still in development, it is recommended that school districts prioritize the regular inspection and maintenance of their rolling gates to enhance safety. For more information on the proposed regulations, visit PRISM’s Blog or contact John Nichols.

Each year, PRISM members face the threat of wildfires that ravage California. Although we hope for a mild fire season, it's never too early to start preparing. On the PRISM Blog, we have compiled a number of resources and links to help members prepare for and manage wildfires and smoke. For any questions about wildfire resources, please contact Doug McGill.

The School Administrator's Guide to Preventing Sexual Abuse & Misconduct, an exclusive resource for PRISM members, has recently been updated to address changes in the recordkeeping requirements that occurred with the update of Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1. If you have any questions about the guide or need the password to access it, please contact Doug McGill.

On June 20, 2024, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) reapproved its revised "Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment" rule (CCR, Title 8, section 3396). This decision came after an earlier rejection of the rule by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) in early 2024 due to economic concerns raised by the California Department of Corrections. To address these concerns, Cal/OSHA amended the standard to exclude the Department of Corrections. To read more on the Indoor Heat Rule, visit PRISM’s Blog or contact John Nichols.