In January 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new enforcement guidance aimed at employers that repeatedly expose workers to life-threatening situations or that don’t comply with workplace health and safety requirements. The new guidance gives OSHA Regional Administrators and Area Office Directors the authority to issue additional citations against employers for non-compliance.
How OSHA’s Compliance Guidance Can Protect Workers
In cases involving “high-gravity” violations, OSHA will now be able to issue instance-by-instance citations. It will have the authority to cite a company for each instance of non-compliance and assess stiffer penalties.
The stepped-up enforcement is intended to address businesses that have repeatedly violated OSHA’s policies and put their employees in danger. OSHA hopes that the threat of more serious penalties will encourage employers to comply with health and safety rules.
The new guidance applies to certain types of violations, including those related to lockout/tagout, machine guarding, respiratory protection, permit-required confined space, and falls. The guidance applies to the general industry, maritime, agriculture, and construction industries and was set to go into effect 60 days from January 26, 2023.
Make Sure That Your Company Meets Health and Safety Requirements
As a business owner, you have a duty to comply with OSHA’s rules and to take appropriate measures to keep your employees safe. The specific policies and procedures that you should follow will depend on your industry and the types of hazards that your workers might encounter on the job.
OSHA has recently stepped up its enforcement guidance to protect workers. Now is a good time to review your company’s policies and procedures and make sure that you’re complying with OSHA’s rules.
Unishield offers several training programs that can help you meet OSHA’s requirements and protect your workforce from harm. We offer OSHA compliance training, as well as specialized instruction that applies to specific industries. For instance, we provide forklift certification, respirator fit testing, hazwoper, and bloodborne pathogen training.
We also sell first aid kits and cabinets that employers and managers can use to provide assistance if someone gets hurt on the job. Our kits include assorted bandages, antibiotic ointment, gloves, burn cream, antiseptic wipes, gloves, over-the-counter medications, and other supplies that can be used to treat common injuries and ailments.
Focusing on health and safety can help you maintain a productive workforce, promote strong morale, and protect your company’s bottom line. If you need first aid supplies for your workplace, or if you would like to schedule osha compliance training for your employees, contact Unishield today.