Every year, OSHA issues around 40,000 violations and all have the potential to be costly losses and liabilities for the companies who see a claim made against them. Even failing to post OSHA’s workplace safety requirements somewhere in a facility can end up in a fine.
But beyond getting for something seemingly as small as not posting signage, OSHA violations are wide-ranging and can rack up in cost. In more extreme cases, criminal proceedings can be convicted for committing willful violation of something that resulted in death. Penalties like these can cost up to $500,000 and possible prison time. By adhering to OSHA’s safety compliance standards, companies in the manufacturing industry are doing what they can to protect their employees, their finances, and their overall business.
Here are the top violations that OSHA sees on a regular basis:
Fall Protection
Although falls are the main source of fatalities and serious injuries, the right fall protection gear is not always present at work sites and in manufacturing environments. Employers must take it upon themselves to protect workers from falling off any platform, elevated workstations or into walls.
Hazard Communication
All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have the proper labeling and safety data sheets for their workers who are exposed and educate them on how to handle the chemicals in a responsible way.
Scaffolding
These items are often misused, like when they’re used in place of a ladder, which can result in serious workplace injuries. Scaffolding must have the correct structure like guide rails and height, and be used under the proper supervision and in the right conditions.
Ladders
Speaking of ladders, they can also be the basis for plenty of costly mistakes and risks. Ladder accidents happen when workers use the wrong ladder for the job they’re working on or don’t inspect it for missing or broken pieces. OSHA ladder regulations specifically call out everything from how far apart ladder runs need to be to the right way to use one
Machine Guarding
Moving machine parts can end up creating a hazardous environment for all around them. Machinery-related injuries and deaths can be terrible, which only highlights the need for machine guarding. Machine guarding protects employees from everything such as nip points, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.
Carrying Manufacturers Insurance
Having manufacturers insurance can protect companies from major financial and reputational fallout following claims by employees or OSHA representatives. While being educated on the risks above can help to boost awareness, there will always be a level of risk and certain claims made. Even the safest manufacturing companies see small issues happen.
Manufacturers insurance can protect companies in the wake of an injury or death claim and help it to focus on taking care of its business.
About The Hilb Group
Deciding what coverage you need and what limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Founded in 2009, the Hilb Group has been helping clients to make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other type of business or personal coverage, we encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Call us at (800) 776-3078 for a consultation.