Feedback from ABC members and statements from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate increased inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can be expected to continue. From day one, the new Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, has made it known that “there is a new sheriff in town”. Additional inspectors will be hired and the emphasis will be on inspections and enforcement, not compliance assistance. Labor Department records show that in Region 1 (New England states), well over $5 million in proposed fines have been issued since January. On October 30th the largest proposed fines in history were announced against one company - $87 million (a refinery in Texas). The previous record was $21 million. Contractors can expect comprehensive inspections with continued emphasis on trenching, fall protection, electrical hazards and other areas that are the source of most incidences and injuries.
It is important for all contractors to assure their compliance with safety regulations and to work to make certain employees behaviors support a “zero accident” safety culture. Your moral obligation and your economic bottom line will count on it.
Recent press releases from OSHA included the following topics:
~ OSHA has conducted an undercover investigation as part of its heightened effort to address fraudulent activity by trainers authorized through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. The investigation of a 10 hour course revealed several examples of the authorized instructor’s failure to comply with program guidelines, including submitting falsified information regarding the instructional time spent on topics and failing to collect and retain required documentation. OSHA has provided a hotline for individuals to file complaints about fraud and abuse.
~ A guidance document was recently published by OSHA that addresses the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica. Providing guidance for reducing hazards with occupational exposure to silica dust is an agency priority.
~ OSHA is initiating a national emphasis program on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. Injury and illness records prepared by employers will be inspected and regulatory requirements will be enforced when employers are found to be under reporting injuries and illnesses. The inspections will include a records review and employee interviews.
~ OSHA has revised the steel erection compliance directive to change two enforcement policies related to tripping hazards and installation of nets or floors during steel erection. Employers must install a floor or net within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. Employers must comply with the requirement that steel studs, shear connectors, be installed at the worksite.
~ High visibility warning garments are required safety attire for highway and road construction workers according to a new letter of interpretation released by OSHA.