Category: Enforcement and Inspection

As today’s workplace becomes more complex, regulation of that workplace increases. In this section, you’ll find the practical advice you need to understand exactly what OSHA, other federal agencies, and their state counterparts, require of you, and to comply in the ways that best satisfy both your and their needs. Look also for important court decisions, advice on how to handle enforcement actions, and news of upcoming changes in workplace health and safety law.

Free Special Report: What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection

Safety inspection, OSHA inspector

OSHA Enforcement Roundup Includes Fall Hazards, Silica

OSHA inspections were up in 2019, and the trend of aggressive enforcement shows no sign of abatement any time soon. Take a look at some of the more significant enforcement cases from the past several months for a snapshot of OSHA’s recent inspection priorities. From fall hazards to silica and beyond, these cases illustrate the […]

Balancing environmental enforcement and business

Our First EPA Enforcement Roundup of 2020

In the fourth quarter (Q4), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized 71 settlement agreements with companies small and large across the United States. This represents a significant decrease in enforcement actions, down from 158 penalties issued in Q3 and 106 in Q2. However, the actions taken resulted in almost $2.5 million in fines. In […]

Amputation

OSHA Revises National Emphasis Program for Amputations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for enforcement related to amputations in manufacturing, the agency announced December 17. The NEP targets employers for enforcement of machine guarding standards to reduce or eliminate amputation hazards.

Delivery Driver

UPS Ordered by OSHA to Compensate Driver

OSHA ordered UPS Ground Freight, doing business as UPS Freight, to compensate a driver wrongfully terminated and harassed for refusing to drive in violation of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

Roofing work, roofer

Maine Roofer Cited by OSHA … Again

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a Maine roofing contractor for willful, repeat, and serious workplace safety violations at a jobsite in Springvale, Maine, and is seeking a total of $278,456 in new penalties.

OSHA safety enforcement concept, OSHA top 10

Explosion Results in Huge OSHA Penalty: $1.6 Million

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking nearly $1.6 million in penalties from an Illinois manufacturer. The agency cited AB Specialty Silicones, LLC, for 12 willful federal safety violations after 4 employees suffered fatal injuries in an explosion and fire at the company’s Waukegan, Illinois, plant on May 3, 2019.