Performance Details

Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Labor Standards and Safety

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Mission

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: Reduce workplace fatalities in Alaska Occupational Safety and Health jurisdiction. TARGET #2: 3% percent reduction in the five-year moving average rate of workplace fatalities per 100,000 employees. TARGET #3: 2% percent per year reduction in the rate of workplace lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees. TARGET #4: 3% reduction per year in lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees in the construction, healthcare, 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: No 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: Inspect 90% of boiler vessel units timely.
Mission Results	Core Services
C: More Alaska residents hired and lawfully compensated.  Details >	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: Provide Wage and Hour briefings to employers.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Reduce 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 Year Fatalities Prior Five-Year Average 2021 4 2.8 2020 1 3 2019 3 3 2018 4 3.0 2017 4 2.8 2016 2 4.2 2015 2 5.2 2014 3 5.5 2013 4 5.2 2012 3 5.5 2011 9 5 2010 7 5.4 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 works 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's jurisdiction as well as annual fluctuations, it is more meaningful to view the program's success as an average for the previous five year period. Just five years ago in FY2016, the five-year average was 4.2 fatalities per year in AKOSH's jurisdiction. The FY2021 five-year average has been reduced by over 66 percent, to 2.8 fatalities per year. 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 was 32 in CY2018. For more information go to: https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/tgs/2017/iiffw02.htm Related links:    • OSHA Jurisdiction    • Alaska Workplace Fatality Data    • Alaska Labor Statistics

Target #2: 3% percent reduction in the five-year moving average rate of workplace fatalities per 100,000 employees. Five-Year Average Rate per 100,000 Employees in Occupational Safety and Health Jurisdiction Fiscal Year Yearly Rate Five-Year Average Five-Year Avg. % Change FY 2021 1.34 1 +17% FY 2020 .31 .85 -5.6 FY 2019 .91 .9 0% 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 as well as employment statistics maintained by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Labor Market Information section. In FY2021, there was an average of 299,598 employees and 4 fatalities, resulting in a 1.34 percent fatality rate. The five-year moving average is 17 percent. 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: 2% 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. Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2021 Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) witnessed a significant increase in a total number of lost time incidents. AKOSH continues working to reduce illnesses and injuries by targeting consultation and enforcement efforts on the causes of lost work illnesses and injuries in Alaskan industries. In FY2021 AKOSH did not achieve a 2 percent rate reduction. Due to COVID-related statewide limitations on travel and closure of businesses resulted in a decrease in on-site consultation visits or inspection activities. In response to the ongoing limitations AKOSH developed and updated COVID-specific inquiry process to handle an influx of complaints and shifted operations to comply with work from home mandates and help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Related links:    • OSHA jurisdiction    • Alaska nonfatal injury and illness statistics

Target #4: 3% reduction per year in lost time injuries and illnesses per 100 employees in the construction, healthcare, 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. AKOSH obtains illness and injury data from Workers' Compensation insurance claims data and employment statistics maintained by the department's Research and Analysis section. 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, Healthcare, Transportation and Seafood Processing Industries Fiscal Year Trans. Rate Const. Rate Seafood Rate Healthcare rate FY 2021 0 0% 1.75 +26.81% 11.45 +224.36% 1.48 +25.42% FY 2020 0 1.38 +15% 3.53 -9.02% 1.18 +21.65% FY 2019 1.2 -7.69% 3.88 -3.72% 0.97 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 +14.71% FY 2015 1.31 -15.48% 2.05 +7.89% 3.4 -19.81% 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 work illnesses and injuries in high hazard industries. In FY2021 AKOSH did not achieve a rate reduction in any of the high hazard industries. All of the Alaskan high hazard industries such as construction, healthcare and seafood processing industries under AKOSH jurisdiction experienced increase in the workplace lost time injuries and illnesses rate per 100 employees. In FY2021 Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the rate increase: in construction industry about 21 percent of lost time injuries and illnesses was related to Covid-19, in healthcare – about 28 percent, in seafood – about 57 percent. Statewide limitations on travel and closure of businesses resulted in a decrease in on-site consultation visits and inspection activities. In response to the ongoing limitations AKOSH developed and updated COVID-specific inquiry process to handle an influx of complaints, and shifted operations to comply with work from home mandates and help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The pandemic and accompanying challenges with in-person inspections and travel restrictions had a substantial impact on enforcement activities. During this time, by leveraging technology AKOSH was able to increase Officer training by 54 percent in comparison to pre-COVID-19 years. 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 Fiscal Year VPP Sites SHARP Sites Total Sites %Change FY 2021 7 0% 9 +50% 16 +23.08% 23% FY 2020 7 -30% 6 +500% 13 +18.18% 18% FY 2019 10 +11.11% 1 -90.91% 11 -45% -45% 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 company wide. 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. In FY2021, a self-audit was conducted, and 6 SHARP sites were renewed. In the same time period, 2 new sites were admitted into the program, and 1 SHARP site moved from Pre-SHARP to 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VPP program experience several postponements and cancellations for potential new sites. In an effort to maintain current VPP sites, the focus was concentrated on renewing current VPP sites. FY2021 efforts to promote the benefits of the cooperative programs to businesses resulted in an increase of 50% percent for the SHARP program and maintain existing VPP sites. To maintain the importance of Consultations’ Recognition Programs, banner and certificate ceremonies are conducted for each renewal and new site. Consultants 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. Through government-industry partnerships in programs like VPP and SHARP, AKOSH will demonstrate the value of outstanding safety and health performance on profitability and workforce productivity. Related links:    • AKOSH VPP & SHARP Information    • VPPPA - (Membership Organization Site)

Target #1: No 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. Analysis of results and challenges: During the FY2009 through FY2021 reporting periods, Mechanical Inspection did not receive any reports of incidents causing loss of life or property within their jurisdiction. Mechanical Inspection tracks the specific number of incidents causing loss of life or property as a result of unsafe boilers or pressure vessels, plumbing and electrical work, elevators, and recreational devices. Mechanical Inspection continues to 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. These results represent the number of inspections that came due for all objects in FY2019 as a percentage of the total number of inspections. Percent of Timely Boiler and Pressure Vessels Inspections Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % Inspected Timely FY 2021 12,382 8,731 71% FY 2020 12,422 9,292 75% FY 2019 12,545 11,521 92% FY 2018 11,976 10,853 91% FY 2017 13,330 11,993 90% FY 2016 12,227 10,943 90% FY 2015 12,217 10,735 88% FY 2014 12,953 11,114 86% FY 2013 11,194 10,177 91% FY 2012 13,849 12,223 88% FY 2011 11,859 10,888 92% FY 2010 12,494 11,481 92% FY 2009 11,033 9,774 89% Analysis of results and challenges: Timely inspections are important for identifying and correcting code deficiencies in boilers and pressure vessels subject to inspections. Some regional or community inspections may be delayed due to extreme rural travel costs or other considerations until a significant number of objects in that region or community become due for inspection. In FY2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated community hunker down and community travel closure orders directly impacted the number of inspections our Mechanical Inspectors were able to perform in Alaska throughout FY2021.

Target #2: Conduct 900 electrical code inspections per year. Methodology: Mechanical Inspection staff performs inspections and tracks the number performed. These results represent the number of inspections completed as a percentage of the number of inspections due. Analysis of results and challenges: The total number of inspections due is based on a full staff of three Electrical Inspectors who conduct random field inspections. Limited travel funds also directly impact our delivery of this service. In FY2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated community hunker down and community travel closures orders directly impacted the number of inspections our Mechanical Inspectors were able to perform in Alaska.

Target #3: Conduct 800 plumbing code inspections per year. Methodology: Mechanical Inspection staff performs inspections and tracks the number performed. These results represent the number of inspections completed as a percentage of the number of inspections due. Analysis of results and challenges: The total number of inspections due is based on a staff of three full-time Plumbing Inspectors who conduct random field inspections. Travel costs continue to impact Mechanical Inspection's ability to provide complete inspection coverage statewide. In FY2021, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated community hunker down and community travel closures orders directly impacted the number of inspections our Mechanical Inspectors were able to perform in Alaska.

Target #4: Inspect 90 percent of elevators and escalators timely. Methodology: Elevator inspections are tracked through the Mechanical Inspections database on a two-year inspection cycle. These results represent the number of inspections completed as a percentage of the number of inspections due. Percent of Elevator and Escalator Inspections Completed Timely Fiscal Year Total Inspections Due # Inspections Completed % Inspected Timely FY 2021 610 -1.61% 527 -4.53% 86% FY 2020 620 +1.31% 552 -5.48% 89% FY 2019 612 +2.86% 584 -2.99% 95% FY 2018 595 +2.23% 602 +24.38% 101% FY 2017 582 +16.4% 484 -13.11% 83% FY 2016 500 -11.97% 557 -2.62% 111% FY 2015 568 0% 572 +8.95% 100% FY 2014 568 +0.53% 525 -5.75% 93% FY 2013 565 0% 557 -6.07% 99% FY 2012 565 0% 593 +5.52% 105% FY 2011 565 -22.07% 562 +21.38% 100% FY 2010 725 0% 463 0% 64% Analysis of results and challenges: 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. Travel costs continue to impact Mechanical Inspection's ability to inspect every object on time. COVID-19 directly impacted inspections because inspectors were unable to travel to many communities in Alaska.

Target #5: Inspect 90% of boiler vessel units timely. Methodology: Boiler and pressure vessels inspections are tracked through Mechanical Inspections database. These results represent the number of overdue objects as a percentage of the total number of objects statewide. Percent of Boiler Unit Inspections Completed Timely Fiscal Year Total Objects Total inspected Vessels % of Overdue Vessels FY 2021 33,609 +0.87% 27,888 -1.79% 83% FY 2020 33,318 +0.55% 28,395 -3.02% 85% FY 2019 33,136 +1.3% 29,280 +0.09% 88% FY 2018 32,711 +1.17% 29,255 +1.93% 89% FY 2017 32,332 +1.4% 28,702 +4.8% 89% FY 2016 31,885 +0.81% 27,388 -2.04% 86% FY 2015 31,628 +0.01% 27,957 -2.17% 88% FY 2014 31,626 +1.12% 28,578 +1.7% 90% FY 2013 31,275 +1.31% 28,100 +1.44% 90% FY 2012 30,870 +2.08% 27,702 -0.56% 90% FY 2011 30,241 +5.23% 27,859 +6.56% 92% FY 2010 28,739 0% 26,143 0% 91% Analysis of results and challenges: The "Total Objects" represents the total number of active objects subject to inspection statewide (state, owner/user, and insurance company inspections). The COVID-19 pandemic directly impacted inspections throughout FY2021 because Inspectors were unable to travel to many communities in Alaska and insurance and owner operator inspectors based outside of Alaska had difficulties navigating Alaska's mandatory COVID-19 travel and quarantine protocols.

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 Analysis of results and challenges: Wage and Hour was approaching the target of average wage claim resolution times due to improved staffing in FY2019. In FY2021 there were significantly fewer wage claims being received from the public due to reduced employment activities during in FY2021 due to COVID-19. In response to this decrease, Wage and Hour amplified their efforts to provide general employment education to the public regarding COVID-19-related issues, and the Wage and Hour Investigators heavily focused their efforts on completing and closing out older and more complicated wage claims, which drove the average amount of time for completion up. The majority of these older claims were closed out in FY2021, so the average resolution time is expected to be back on track in FY2022 and beyond. Related links:    • Wage & Hour Jurisdiction

Target #2: Provide Wage and Hour briefings to employers. Methodology: Wage and Hour maintains records of the number of briefings conducted for employers by Wage and Hour staff. Analysis of results and challenges: Wage and Hour currently tracks the number of employer briefings, which is a strategy to reduce wage claims. Employer Briefings include seminars, on-site visits, and quick and accurate responses to employer inquiries. Alaska has a constantly changing business environment, and frequent briefings are an important employer education tool to help increase compliance with Wage and Hour regulations. Wage and Hour continues to focus efforts on proactive measures to assist employers with understanding their legal requirements, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a temporary, but noticeable, reduction in employer and public wage activities in most areas of the state for FY2021. Wage and Hour has pointedly improved their employer information delivery process during the 2019, 2020, and 2021 fiscal years by acting upon customer feedback and providing education specifically designed for certain problematic industries. This delivery process includes telephonic briefings, direct mail-outs of brochures provided in six different languages, an improved website design, as well as press releases. These improved communication efforts, combined with the decrease in statewide employment due to COVID-19, has resulted in a noticeable and significant drop in phone calls and visits from the public seeking quick answers to FAQ's that are now proactively addressed via the methods noted above. The effectiveness of these activities in FY2021, resulted in fewer Wage and Hour briefings in FY2021.

Current as of November 22, 2021