OSHA Fines Stem From 44 Health & Safety Violations

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has cited an Ohio rubber and plastic components manufacturer with 44 health and safety violations, with potential penalties totaling $400,175.

After receiving a complaint, OSHA conducted inspections at the Killbuck facility between February and May 2018. The violations are listed as alleged serious, repeat, and other-than-serious. One of the main violations was failure to provide new employees on the use and handling of hazardous chemicals.

“Employees are at increased risk when they are not adequately trained and effective safety and health procedures are not implemented,” said Larry Johnson, OSHA’s Columbus Area Office director. “Employers are required to train employees on their first day about on-the-job hazards and safe handling procedures and provide personal protective equipment to keep them safe.

Other violations and penalties include:

• Failure to provide an effective hearing conservation program
• Failure to provide adequate machine guards, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection and fall protection
• Exposing employees to electrical safety and tripping hazards
• Failure to instruct employees on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from starting unintentionally
• Failure to provide adequate PPE

A full list of citations and penalties was published by the Department of Labor.

The company’s CEO recently explained that the citations are currently under review and also stated that “these citations are not representative of our core values or the care and concern with which we operate this business.”

Avoiding OSHA Fines Starts With a Good Health & Safety Plan

OSHA violations are expensive, whether your company is fined for citations, or even, in some cases, shut down. How expensive? Well, last year alone, U.S. businesses paid out more than $1.5 million in penalties for not protecting workers from hazardous noise.

Also of note, in 2017 there were a total of 3,381 respiratory protection violations. If you look at the above-listed violations, you’ll see both of those on the list.

OSHA fines are completely avoidable, though. If you’re diligent and intentional about workplace health and safety, then you’re ahead of the game. Sometimes, though, you need a little bit of help.

OSHA changes standards consistently, and the rules aren’t always clear. You shouldn’t have to worry about being part of OSHA’s next round of violation newsletters, and your team should always know that it’s protected.

Worksite Medical makes it easy and convenient to create a workplace health plan. With our on-site medical testing services, you’ll never have to send your team away again.

We set up in a way that limits job disruption, complete all of your testing efficiently, and provide results quickly. We also help you set up periodic plans, and send out reminders of when you need your next round of testing.

We’re your guide to a safer, healthier workplace, and we do it all at your convenience.

Next time OSHA comes around, feel confident that you’ve put your company in a position to win in both your work, and your workplace’s health and safety.