OSHA Compliance Posts

Here is a look at OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance activity in 2016 (October 2015 – September 2016). As you can see, OSHA did 1,780 LOTO inspections (↓) and issued 3,235 citations (↑) for a total of $16,611,253 in fines (↑). 2015 numbers were 1,796 LOTO inpsections; 3,139 citations; and $9,013,808. This is the SETTLED amount and…...

emphasis added by me and professionally speaking, this LOI is just “crazy talk” and why OSHA LOTO minimums should be viewed as just that… the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM!  In this LOI, OSHA has established that using a “zip-tie” in the manner in which you would apply a lockout lock to an electrical disconnect would meet the…...

With last weeks tragic accident in my old stomping grounds of DeRidder, LA I am reminded of OSHA’s laguage in 1910.252.  I know of no other standard that has such “matter of fact” style language.  In the standard, OSHA uses the phrase “absolutely certain” in regards to ensuring the “container” is gas/vapor free. In fact…...

  Inspections New Inspections 4,858 Closed Inspections 5,026 Inspections With Violations 65 Inspections With No Violations 4,793 Current Penalties $397,508.50 Inspection Types Inspection Type Accident 143 Inspection Type Complaint 1,124 Inspection Type Referral 683 Inspection Type Followup 193 Inspection Type Unprog Related 198 Inspection Type Planned 2,120 Inspection Type Other 286 Violations Serious Violations 2,057…...

February 1st is just around the corner and this is a reminder for those of you who maintain OSHA 300 Log(s) that it is time to:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

One of the questions I get often is “What if an OSHA standard says one thing and my fire code says something else?” First, let me say I am so pleased when I get this question as it means there’s a business utilizing the fire code; as so many do not even know it exist…....

A total of 4,836 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2015, a slight increase from the 4,821 fatal injuries reported in 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.  Key findings of the 2015 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...

On Monday (12/19/2016) OSHA will issue a final rule that clarifies an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate record of each recordable injury and illness. The final rule becomes effective Jan. 18, 2017…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

The company was engaged in repairing and refurbishing railcars and related activities when it was cited by OSHA on October 30, 2015, for serious violations. The citation contained 5 items and proposed penalties totaling $23,000.00. After [The company] timely contested the citation, the Secretary filed a formal complaint with the Commission charging [The company] with…...

Following an inspection conducted at a facility from 06/03/2016 to 12/02/2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations for ergonomic hazards. During the inspection OSHA’s Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing identified characteristics of the facility’s medical management program that pose several problems that contribute to injured workers receiving treatments that do not…...

Recently OSHA completed an inspection at a workplace where they identified a hazard that was not a violation of a specific OSHA standard, nor was it considered appropriate at the time to invoke Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (e.g. General Duty Clause). In these cases, OSHA may send the employer a…...