Performance Details

Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Labor Standards and Safety

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Mission

The mission of the Labor Standards and Safety RDU is to ensure safe and legal working conditions.

Core Services

• Occupational safety and health, law enforcement, training, and consultation.
• Electrical and mechanical code compliance inspection and training.
• Wage and child labor law enforcement and training.

Mission Results	Core Services
A: Eliminate workplace fatalities and worker lost time injuries and illnesses caused by circumstances that are under Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) jurisdiction.  Details > TARGET #1: Zero accidental workplace fatalities in Alaska Occupational Safety and Health jurisdiction. TARGET #2: A three percent reduction in the five-year moving average rate of workplace fatalities per 100,000 employees. TARGET #3: A two percent per year reduction in the rate of workplace lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees. TARGET #4: A three percent reduction per year in lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees in the construction, transportation, and seafood processing industries.	A1: Occupational safety and health, law enforcement, training, and consultation.  Details > TARGET #1: Increase the number of Voluntary Protection Program and Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program sites in Alaska.
Mission Results	Core Services
B: Reduce hazards to life and property posed by unsafe boilers/pressure vessels, plumbing, and electrical work and elevators within Mechanical Inspection's jurisdiction.  Details > TARGET #1: Zero loss of life or property caused by unsafe boilers/pressure vessels, plumbing, and electrical work and elevators.	B1: Electrical and mechanical code compliance inspection and training.  Details > TARGET #1: Inspect 90 percent of boilers and pressure vessels timely. TARGET #2: Conduct 900 electrical code inspections per year. TARGET #3: Conduct 800 plumbing code inspections per year. TARGET #4: Inspect 90 percent of elevators and escalators timely. TARGET #5: Maintain boiler and pressure vessel inspection backlog at ten percent or less of overall units.
Mission Results	Core Services
C: More Alaska residents hired and lawfully compensated.  Details > TARGET #1: Reduce the number of resident hire violations, valid wage claims and prevailing wage complaints by ten percent per year.	C1: Wage and child labor law enforcement and training.  Details > TARGET #1: Maintain average wage claim resolution time to six months or less. TARGET #2: Maintain the number of employer briefings conducted the previous year.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Zero accidental workplace fatalities in Alaska Occupational Safety and Health jurisdiction. Methodology: The number of workplace fatalities is calculated using fatality reports submitted to AKOSH. Number of Workplace Fatalities in Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Jurisdiction (did not achieve the target of zero in FY2018) Fiscal Year Fatalities Prior Five-Year Average FY 2018 4 3.0 FY 2017 4 2.8 FY 2016 2 4.2 FY 2015 2 5.2 FY 2014 3 5.5 FY 2013 4 5.2 FY 2012 3 5.5 FY 2011 9 5 FY 2010 7 5.4 FY 2009 5 3.6 Analysis of results and challenges: The number of workplace fatalities by fiscal year is calculated using fatality reports submitted within the jurisdiction of the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Section (AKOSH). AKOSH intends to reduce workplace fatalities through consultation and enforcement inspections by targeting industries with high fatality rates and eliminating the most prevalent causes of fatalities. Due to the relatively small number of workplace fatalities in AKOSH jurisdiction and annual fluctuations, it is more meaningful to evaluate performance using a comparison of the average number of fatalities for the previous five-year period to the established benchmark. The benchmark is from FY2013 when there was an average of five fatalities for the five-year period covering FY2008-FY2012. There were two fatalities in FY2015 and FY2016, increasing to four fatalities in FY2017 and FY2018. Even though the prior five-year average has slightly increased, it is still the second lowest in the last decade. As many of AKOSH's promotion, consultation, and training efforts affect industries beyond AKOSH's enforcement jurisdiction, it is useful to evaluate overall workplace fatality numbers in Alaska. Unfortunately, the only recognized source for this data is the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the data is generally two years behind. The statewide number of fatalities in all jurisdictions showed a significant increase from 14 in 2015 to 35 in 2016. The transportation and warehousing industry continues to have the highest number of fatalities, with 10 in 2016. For more Alaska worker safety and health statistics please refer to the links provided below. Related links:    • OSHA Jurisdiction    • Alaska Workplace Fatality Data    • Alaska Labor Statistics

Target #2: A three percent reduction in the five-year moving average rate of workplace fatalities per 100,000 employees. Methodology: The workplace fatality rate per 100,000 employees is calculated by dividing the number of workplace fatalities during the year by the average number of workers employed and then multiplying the result by 100,000. This statistic is calculated using workplace fatality reports submitted to the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health section and employment statistics maintained by the department's Labor Market Information section. Five-Year Average Rate of Workplace Fatalities per 100,000 Employees (did not achieve the three percent reduction target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Yearly Rate Five-Year Average Five-Year Avg. % Change FY 2018 1.22 .90 0% FY 2017 1.21 .90 +7% FY 2016 .59 .84 -34% FY 2015 0.59 1.27 -17% FY 2014 0.89 1.51 -9.0% FY 2013 1.20 1.66 12.1% FY 2012 .91 1.48 -8.1% FY 2011 2.74 1.61 +10.3% FY 2010 1.9 1.46 +9% FY 2009 1.55 1.34 +30% Analysis of results and challenges: This statistic is calculated using workplace fatality reports submitted to the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) section and employment statistics maintained by the department's Labor Market Information section. Even though AKOSH was not able to achieve the three percent reduction target for FY2018 in the workplace fatality five-year average, the five-year average rate remained the same. In FY2018, there was an average of 327,683 employees and four fatalities, resulting in a 1.22 fatality rate. AKOSH will continue to work to reduce workplace fatalities through a combination of consultation and enforcement activities targeted on eliminating the most prevalent causes of fatalities in industries with high fatality rates. Related links:    • Workplace Fatality Statistics

Target #3: A two percent per year reduction in the rate of workplace lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees. Methodology: Prior to FY2011 this rate was calculated as of September 30, but this delayed budget performance reporting until November. To eliminate this delay, as of FY2011, rates are calculated for the state fiscal year as of June 30. Note: On 11/3/16, published data for FY2014 and FY2015 was updated with more accurate numbers. Previous data was affected by a software migration that occurred in July of 2013. Workers’ Compensation moved to a new system and this resulted in inaccurate queries. Also, around that time the data collection process moved from paper to electronic. Workplace Lost Time Injuries and Illnesses Rate per 100 Employees (did not achieve the two percent reduction target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Rate % Change FY 2018 1.07% 1.9% FY 2017 1.05% -13.22% FY 2016 1.21% -2.42% FY 2015 1.24% -4.62% FY 2014 1.30% 15.04% FY 2013 1.13% -16.3% FY 2012 1.35% 8.00% FY 2011 1.25% -6.02% FY 2010 1.33% -6.34% FY 2009 1.42% -16.96% Analysis of results and challenges: Since FY2009, the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health program has reduced the workplace illness and injury rate by 25 percent by targeting consultation and enforcement efforts on the causes of illnesses and injuries in industries and employers with high incident rates. This effort has resulted in an ongoing reduction in rates. The five-year strategic plan that began in FY2014 concentrated on the construction, transportation, and seafood processing industries that have relatively high rates. Since FY2014, this plan has been effective in continuing to reduce the overall lost time injury and illness rates for Alaskan workers. Related links:    • OSHA jurisdiction    • Alaska nonfatal injury and illness statistics

Target #4: A three percent reduction per year in lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees in the construction, transportation, and seafood processing industries. Methodology: Rates are calculated based on Workers' Compensation reports of lost work incidents each year divided by the average annual number of employees in each industry category according to data produced by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Research and Analysis Section (non-seasonally adjusted). Each result is multiplied by 100 employees to establish the lost time rate per 100 employees in each industry. Note: On 11/3/16, published data for FY2014 and FY2015 was updated with more accurate numbers. Previous data was affected by a software migration that occurred in July of 2013. Workers’ Compensation moved to a new system and this resulted in inaccurate queries. Also, around that time the data collection process moved from paper to electronic. Workplace Lost Time Injuries and Illnesses Rate per 100 Employees in Construction, Transportation and Seafood Processing Industries (transportation achieved the three percent reduction target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Trans. Rate Const. Rate Seafood Rate FY 2018 1.10 -4.35% 1.30 +13.04% 4.03 +20.3% FY 2017 1.15 +2.68% 1.15 -23.84% 3.35 -14.1% FY 2016 1.12 -14.5% 1.51 -26.34% 3.90 +13.37% FY 2015 1.31 -15.48% 2.05 +7.89% 3.44 -18.87% FY 2014 1.55 -0.64% 1.90 +26.67% 4.24 +26.19% FY 2013 1.56 -31.88% 1.50 -21.05% 3.36 +7.35% FY 2012 2.29 +26.52% 1.90 +2.7% 3.13 -17.41% FY 2011 1.81 -0.55% 1.85 +2.78% 3.79 +32.98% FY 2010 1.82 -13.33% 1.80 -15.09% 2.85 -7.17% FY 2009 2.10 -25.27% 2.12 -30.03% 3.07 -50.64% Analysis of results and challenges: Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) works to reduce illnesses and injuries by targeting consultation and enforcement efforts on the causes of lost workday illnesses and injuries in the construction, transportation, and seafood processing industries. In FY2018 AKOSH saw a 4.3 percent reduction in the transportation rate, bringing the rate to its lowest in a decade. AKOSH did not achieve a three percent reduction in the construction industry, which saw a rate increase of 13 percent. Nonetheless, the construction industry rate remains substantially lower than a decade ago and a strategic effort by AKOSH to reduce injury and illness rates in this high-hazard industry will continue the strive to achieve the overall downward trend. AKOSH did not achieve a three percent reduction in the seafood processing industry, which saw an increase of 20 percent. However, the complete FY2018 employment data for the seafood processing industry is not yet available. The rate will decrease when total FY2018 employment numbers are included. AKOSH will update the measure when the data becomes available. AKOSH obtains illness and injury data from Workers’ Compensation insurance claims data and employment statistics maintained by the department’s Research and Analysis section. Related links:    • Alaska nonfatal injury and illness statistics

Target #1: Increase the number of Voluntary Protection Program and Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program sites in Alaska. Number of Voluntary Protection Program and Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program Sites in Alaska (did not achieve the target increase FY2018) Fiscal Year VPP Sites SHARP Sites Total Sites %Change FY 2018 9 0% 11 0% 20 0% 0 FY 2017 9 -10% 11 -15.38% 20 -13.04% -13% FY 2016 10 -9.09% 13 -13.33% 23 -11.54% -12% FY 2015 11 0% 15 -6.25% 26 -3.7% -4% FY 2014 11 -8.33% 16 +33.33% 27 +12.5% 12% FY 2013 12 0% 12 -40% 24 -25% -25% FY 2012 12 -25% 20 0% 32 -11.11% -11% FY 2011 16 0% 20 +17.65% 36 +9.09% 9% FY 2010 16 +6.67% 17 +13.33% 33 +10% 9% FY 2009 15 +15.38% 15 -6.25% 30 +3.45% 3% Analysis of results and challenges: The Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) targets smaller employers with less than 250 employees at a site and less than 500 employees total. These smaller employers require additional assistance to establish the safety and health protocols and performance to participate in SHARP. The program provides an employer with the knowledge and motivation to take control of safety and health performance. The AKOSH section is focusing efforts on assisting small employers and promoting participation in SHARP. The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is not limited by the number of employees the company has before applying for participation in the program; however, due to amount of time needed to submit an application and preparation time for meeting qualifications for the program, Alaska has relatively few employers large enough to apply or to meet the necessary criteria. Efforts to improve promoting the benefits of the program to businesses will continue. Consultants will work in partnership with businesses to assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of occupational safety and health programs and performance necessary to meet VPP and SHARP participation standards. The benefits to employers to participate in these programs are reductions in injuries and illnesses, a reduction in operational costs, such as workers' compensation insurance, and an increase in worker productivity and morale. Related links:    • AKOSH VPP & SHARP Information    • VPPPA - (Membership Organization Site)

Target #1: Zero loss of life or property caused by unsafe boilers/pressure vessels, plumbing, and electrical work and elevators. Methodology: Mechanical Inspection did not receive any reports of these occurrences. Number of Incidents Causing Loss of Life or Property within Mechanical Inspection's Jurisdiction (achieved the target of zero in FY2018) Fiscal Year Boiler/Pressure Vessel Plumbing Electrical Elevators YTD Total FY 2018 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2017 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2016 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2015 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2014 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2013 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2012 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2011 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2010 0 0 0 0 0 FY 2009 0 0 0 0 0 Analysis of results and challenges: On 1/1/04 Mechanical Inspection began tracking the specific number of incidents causing loss of life or property as a result of unsafe boilers or pressure vessels, plumbing and electrical work and elevators. Mechanical Inspection will strive to inspect boilers, pressure vessels, and elevators by the inspection due date and eliminate code violations. Mechanical Inspection will eliminate hazards to life and property by inspecting electrical and plumbing work and pursue correction of any code or licensing violations identified. It is extremely important to maintain a zero incident rate as a single incident could be catastrophic. Related links:    • Mechanical Inspection Jurisdiction    • National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors

Target #1: Inspect 90 percent of boilers and pressure vessels timely. Methodology: Boiler and pressure vessels inspections are tracked through the Mechanical Inspection's database. Percent of Timely Boiler and Pressure Vessels Inspections (achieved the 90 percent target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % Inspected Timely FY 2018 11,976 10,853 90.95% FY 2017 13330 11993 89.96% FY 2016 12227 10943 89.50% FY 2015 12,217 10,735 88.00% FY 2014 12,953 11,114 86.00% FY 2013 11,194 10,177 90.91% FY 2012 13,849 12,223 88.26% FY 2011 11,859 10,888 91.81% FY 2010 12,494 11,481 91.89% FY 2009 11,033 9,774 88.59% Analysis of results and challenges: Timely inspections are important for identifying and correcting code deficiencies in boilers and pressure vessels subject to inspections. To increase efficiency, some inspections may be delayed due to extreme travel costs or other considerations until a number of objects become due for inspection. Despite turnover, Mechanical Inspection was able to exceed the target of 90 percent in FY2018.

Target #2: Conduct 900 electrical code inspections per year. Methodology: Mechanical Inspection staff performs inspections and tracks the number performed. Number of Electrical Code Inspections Due and Completed during the Year (did not achieve the 900 inspection target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % of Inspection Goal FY 2018 900 647 71.89% FY 2017 900 797 88.56% FY 2016 900 961 107.5% FY 2015 900 974 108.0% FY 2014 900 830 92.22% FY 2013 900 828 92.0% FY 2012 900 860 95.96% FY 2011 900 900 100% FY 2010 900 1202 133.56% FY 2009 900 0 0 Analysis of results and challenges: There was no data available for 2009. The total number of inspections due is based on a full staff of three electrical inspectors who conduct random field inspections. An experienced electrical inspector retired from the program in FY2018, and the vacancy period in addition to the training of a new inspector resulted in a lower inspection number for FY2018.

Target #3: Conduct 800 plumbing code inspections per year. Methodology: Mechanical Inspection staff performs inspections and tracks the number performed. Number of Plumbing Code Inspections Due and Completed during the Year (did not achieve the target of 800 inspections in FY2018) Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % of Inspection Goal FY 2018 800 702 87.75% FY 2017 800 734 91.75% FY 2016 800 733 92.0% FY 2015 900 552 61.3% FY 2014 900 670 74.44% FY 2013 900 749 83.22% FY 2012 900 796 88.44% FY 2011 900 758 84.22% FY 2010 900 888 98.67% FY 2009 900 0 0 Analysis of results and challenges: No data was available for 2009. The total number of inspections due is based on a full staff of three plumbing inspectors who conduct random field inspections. A plumbing inspector position became vacant FY2018, and the vacancy coupled with the training of a new inspector resulted in a lower inspection number for FY2018.

Target #4: Inspect 90 percent of elevators and escalators timely. Methodology: Boiler and pressure vessels inspections are tracked through the Mechanical Inspections database. Percent of Elevator and Escalator Inspections Completed Timely (exceeded the 90 percent target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % Inspected Timely FY 2018 595 +2.23% 602 +24.38% 101.18% FY 2017 582 +16.4% 484 -13.11% 83.16% FY 2016 500 -11.97% 557 -2.62% 111.40% FY 2015 568 0% 572 +8.95% 100.0% FY 2014 568 +0.53% 525 -5.75% 93.0% FY 2013 565 0% 557 -6.07% 98.6% FY 2012 565 0% 593 +5.52% 105% FY 2011 565 -22.07% 562 +21.38% 99.5% FY 2010 725 0% 463 0% 63.9% FY 2009 0 -100% 0 -100% 0 Analysis of results and challenges: There was no data available for 2009. Devices in the elevator class are due for inspection every other year, and the number of inspections due reflects half of the number of active objects. The program had a full inspection staff for the duration of FY2018, and was able to achieve its goal and work through the backlog created by previous vacancies.

Target #5: Maintain boiler and pressure vessel inspection backlog at ten percent or less of overall units. Methodology: Boiler and pressure vessels inspections are tracked through Mechanical Inspections database. Percent of Overdue Boiler Inspections (did not achieve the ten percent backlog target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Total Objects Total Overdue Vessels % of Overdue Vessels FY 2018 32711 +1.17% 3456 -4.79% 10.57% FY 2017 32332 +1.4% 3630 -19.28% 11.23% FY 2016 31885 +0.81% 4497 +22.5% 14.10% FY 2015 31,628 +0.01% 3,671 +20.44% 11.60% FY 2014 31,626 +1.12% 3,048 -4% 9.64% FY 2013 31,275 +1.31% 3,175 +0.22% 10.15% FY 2012 30,870 +2.08% 3,168 +33% 10.26% FY 2011 30,241 +5.23% 02,382 -8.24% 7.88% FY 2010 28,739 0% 2,596 0% 9.03% FY 2009 0 -100% 0 -100% 0 Analysis of results and challenges: There was no data available for 2009. The total objects represents the total number of active objects subject to inspection, and in FY2018 the section fell short of meeting its goal of less than ten percent of overdue objects. In FY2018, two boiler inspectors left the program; these vacancies contributed to the program falling slightly short of its goal for FY2018.

Target #1: Reduce the number of resident hire violations, valid wage claims and prevailing wage complaints by ten percent per year. Methodology: Wage and Hour collects data on the number of wage claims and resident hire and prevailing wage violations monthly. Number of Resident Hire Violations, Valid Wage Claims, and Prevailing Wage Complaints (did not achieve the ten percent reduction target in FY2018) Fiscal Year Resident Hire % Change Wage Claims % Change Prevail Wage % Change FY 2018 800% -30% 22% FY 2017 0% 4% 70% FY 2016 -80 -22% -57% FY 2015 400% 12% 55% FY 2014 -80% 35% 6% FY 2013 -23% -7% 50.48% FY 2012 -13% -19% -39.66% FY 2011 -62% 13% -64.99% FY 2010 -22% -13% 10.44% FY 2009 117% -10% 48.03% Analysis of results and challenges: The large increase in resident hire violations is due in part to the small sample size, with 18 violations reported in FY2018 compared to two in FY2017. This represents an overall low violation rate. The fluctuations in the numbers of valid wage claims and prevailing wage violations may likewise be a result of year-to-year variations due to sample size.

Target #1: Maintain average wage claim resolution time to six months or less. Methodology: Days open at time of closure is maintained for every valid wage claim received by the Wage and Hour Administration. Average Number of Months to Resolve a Wage Claim (did not achieve the target of six months or less in FY2018) Fiscal Year # Months % Change # of Valid Claims FY 2018 13.11 +65.74% 66% 244 -29.89% FY 2017 7.91 +54.79% 55% 348 -2.79% FY 2016 5.11 +16.93% 17% 358 -21.15% FY 2015 4.37 -40.22% 40% 454 +20.74% FY 2014 7.31 +16.22% 16% 376 +46.88% FY 2013 6.29 +28.37% 28% 256 -6.23% FY 2012 4.9 -2% -2% 273 -16.51% FY 2011 5.0 +2.67% 2.7% 327 +18.91% FY 2010 4.87 -15.6% -16% 275 -9.24% FY 2009 5.77 +28.22% 28% 303 -16.76% Analysis of results and challenges: Wage and Hour did not achieve the target of average wage claim resolution time to six months in FY2018. Wage and Hour experienced a high volume of claims in the last several years, and lost several experienced investigators to retirement. The combination of volume and turnover contributed to an increased resolution time. In addition, Wage and Hour's new effort of conducting directed compliance audits of employers showing evidence of systemic wage violations has increased the average time by adding large, complex cases involving many employees to Wage and Hour's workload. Related links:    • Wage & Hour Jurisdiction

Target #2: Maintain the number of employer briefings conducted the previous year. Methodology: Wage and Hour maintains records of the number of briefings conducted for employers by Wage and Hour staff. Number of Employer Educational Briefings on Wage and Hour Issues (did not achieve the target of maintaining the prior year number in FY2018) Fiscal Year Number of Briefings FY 2018 7914 -30.86% FY 2017 11446 +24.6% FY 2016 9186 -13.88% FY 2015 10,666 +7.15% FY 2014 9,954 -18.5% FY 2013 12,213 -17.87% FY 2012 14,870 -4.95% FY 2011 15,645 -15.65% FY 2010 18,547 +22.16% FY 2009 15,182 -1.17% Analysis of results and challenges: Wage and Hour currently tracks the number of employer briefings. This strategy to reduce wage claims is supported by efforts to provide seminars, on-site visits, and quick and accurate responses to employer inquiries. Alaska has a constantly changing business environment, and the economic future is uncertain. Wage and Hour continues to focus efforts on proactive measures to assist employers with understanding the legal requirements. A division-wide reorganization reduced Wage and Hour's number of employee briefings by reassigning two front-line administrative staff to other duties. In addition, Wage and Hour lost several experienced Wage and Hour investigators to retirement. This turnover impacted Wage and Hour's ability to provide employer briefings in FY2018. As new Wage and Hour investigators are trained, and an administrative position filled, the numbers are expected to increase.

Current as of November 29, 2018