2016-01-19                     House Journal                      Page 1458
HB 263                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 263 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to reporting of workplace injuries to the division                                                        
     of labor standards and safety."                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce                                                                    
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18, 2016, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to reporting of workplace                                                       
injuries to the Division of Labor Standards and Safety (Division).                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The bill would require an employer to promptly report to the Division                                                           
accidents that result in an employee losing an eye or suffering an                                                              
amputation. Employers are already required to report workplace                                                                  
accidents that result in fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The bill is necessary to ensure that the State's occupational safety and                                                        
health standards are in compliance with federal law. Additionally, the                                                          
bill will help ensure that the Division is promptly notified of serious                                                         
workplace accidents so that it may conduct investigations and prevent                                                           
similar accidents.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor"