What's the Big Deal About OSHA

What's the Big Deal About OSHA?

Most of us know exactly how important safety is... often times, our daily well-being depends on it. Lately, however, the terms “safety and “OSHA have gained more significance than ever before. If you've been wondering why that is, here's your answer...

In March 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent a letter to approximately 15,000 U.S. employers who reported higher rates of and more severe workplace injuries than the national average in their respective industries. In most cases, the employers had DART rates (rates of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activities or job transfers) at twice the national average.

Although OSHA's letter included an overture of assistance to small employers and noted the availability of safety consultation services, the real message was “get your act together because a serious OSHA inspection may be coming your way soon. Since the Obama administration took control, OSHA has been gearing up for a significant enforcement effort, and this letter is an indication of many of the employers that the agency will target in that effort.

This level of enforcement under the new OSHA represents a significant change from the previous administration. OSHA has not only increased the size of its enforcement team but has also greatly increased the size of its enforcement actions. In the last year, OSHA has nearly tripled the number of significant cases (citations including fines of $100,000 or more.)

Although employers are not required to respond directly to OSHA regarding the letter, businesses should prepare as though OSHA is going to come knocking tomorrow. Preparing now for the aggressive enforcement threatened by President Obama's “New OSHA will not only help minimize the significant liability issues, but will also make for a safer and more productive workplace in the meantime. Below are three steps employers can do now to prepare:

• Conduct a Recordkeeping Audit. Verify that the OSHA 300 Log is up-to-date and accurately reflects all reportable injuries and illnesses. Cross-check other records relating to injuries and illnesses (e.g., incident reports, first aid records, medical records and workers' compensation claims) against the OSHA 300 Log.
• Validate Your Safety and Health Program. Verify that the written safety and health program is current and accurately reflects what is happening in the field. Ensure that you have conducted and documented all training required by the OSHA Standards or provided for in your written safety and health program.
• Inspect Your Workplace for Hazards. When the OSHA team arrives, multiple sets of trained eyes will be scrutinizing every nook and cranny for conditions presenting safety and health hazards and violations of OSHA Standards. Some may be obvious, some less so. Take the time now to do a diligent wall-to-wall walk-through, correcting all of the obvious issues, and taking a fresh look at whether there are less obvious but significant safety and/or industrial hygiene/exposure issues to be addressed.

While Cashman did not receive such a letter, safety is always our first priority. Our employees are always on the lookout for potential issues in the shop or out in the field. We encourage you and your employees to do the same.