Category: Enforcement and Inspection
As today’s workplace becomes more complex, regulation of that workplace increases. In this section, you’ll find the practical advice you need to understand exactly what OSHA, other federal agencies, and their state counterparts, require of you, and to comply in the ways that best satisfy both your and their needs. Look also for important court decisions, advice on how to handle enforcement actions, and news of upcoming changes in workplace health and safety law.
Free Special Report: What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection
Safe Attitudes Make All the Difference
When employees have a safe attitude, they have a genuine concern for their own safety and well-being as well as that of co-workers. They feel it is their responsibility to help maintain a safe work environment for all. Good for them, and good for you. "Safety is our number 1 priority," say a lot of […]
Safety Is Serious, But Fun Is Not Forbidden
Safety is a serious topic. You want employees to take it seriously and have a serious attitude about the importance of safety and health on the job. And this is as it should be. But does it mean that every safety-related activity or program has to be approached in a solemn, can’t-crack-a-smile mood? Fortunately, no. […]
OSHA’s Top 10 List and How to Stay Off It: Part 2
Yesterday, we reviewed some tips for avoiding penalties and fines for violations of some of the standards on OSHA’s top 10 list. Today, we provide more tips for thee more commonly violated standards. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) Tips for staying in compliance with the lockout/tagout standard include: Develop a written energy control program that includes […]
OSHA’s Top 10 List and How to Stay Off It
OSHA’s newest top 10 list of violations includes familiar hazards. Today and tomorrow, we look at a number of these entries and suggest ways to avoid OSHA violations and penalties. As you probably already know, the top 10 violations for 2012 are: Fall protection—general requirements Hazard communication Scaffolding Respiratory protection Ladders Machine guarding Powered industrial […]
Energy Company Fined for Lack of SPCC Inspections – November Enforcement Summary
What You Should Know About Claiming Affirmative Defense
BIG Fine for SPCC Plan Failures – October Enforcement Wrap-Up
Hefty fine for plan failures Oil company Maine EPA Region 1 CWA/SPCC violations: The EPA alleges that the company’s failure to maintain and fully implement an oil spill prevention plan contributed to the release of approximately 1,500 gallons of used motor oil from a tanker truck at the facility. Penalty: $177,500 fine Fracking reporting […]
Managing Safety-Related Documents
Managing safety-related documents properly and carefully is very important, especially if you’re ever involved in an OSHA inspection. To get hold of documents in the course of an inspection or investigation, OSHA can get a subpoena duces tecum. This is a subpoena requiring evidence to be produced. While non-mandatory documents do not need to be […]
