Why Every Manufacturing Business Should Pay Attention to the 2024 Version of OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been a cornerstone in the realm of workplace safety since its inception in 1971. Established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. In the manufacturing sector, where the risks of accidents and health hazards are significantly high, OSHA’s role becomes even more critical. But OSHA is often misunderstood.
Their standards cover a wide range of safety aspects, including machine guarding, hazardous materials handling, respiratory protection, and electrical safety. In short, OSHA = Protection. Safe workplaces lead to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and higher employee morale. But to the manufacturing workforce, OSHA is a virus to be avoided at all costs.
OSHA has a history of imposing fines on companies that fail to comply with safety regulations. These fines serve as both a punishment for violations and a deterrent against future infractions. This is the reason manufacturing businesses are so uneasy around OSHA staff. Here are some notable examples:
1. Imperial Sugar Company (2008): One of the most significant fines in OSHA’s history was levied against the Imperial Sugar Company following a massive explosion at its Port Wentworth, Georgia, refinery. The explosion, caused by the ignition of sugar dust, resulted in 14 deaths and 36 injuries. OSHA cited the company for 124 violations and imposed fines totaling $8.7 million.
2. BP Products North America Inc. (2010): Following a series of inspections at the BP Texas City refinery, OSHA found numerous violations related to process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. This resulted in a record fine of $50.6 million.
3. Tesoro Refining & Marketing Co. (2010): After an explosion and fire at Tesoro’s Anacortes, Washington, refinery killed seven workers, OSHA fined the company $2.39 million for 44 violations, including failure to follow safety procedures that could have prevented the tragedy.
4. Volkswagen Group of America (2020): OSHA fined Volkswagen $13.5 million for failing to address repeated safety violations at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The violations included improper handling of hazardous chemicals and inadequate training for employees.
OSHA’s Staffing Trends in 2024 will increase dramatically
According to recent reports, OSHA is not downsizing; rather, it is focusing on hiring more staff to enhance its enforcement capabilities and outreach efforts. This move comes in response to increasing workplace safety challenges and the need for more comprehensive oversight in various industries, including manufacturing.
OSHA is actively hiring more inspectors, compliance officers, and safety trainers to bolster its capabilities. This expansion aims to enhance the agency’s ability to conduct thorough inspections, provide more comprehensive training and support to businesses, and ensure that workplaces across the country adhere to the highest safety standards.
The historical fines serve as stark reminders of the consequences of neglecting workplace safety. With the anticipated increase in staffing in 2024, OSHA is poised to continue its mission with renewed vigor, ensuring that workplaces remain safe and healthy for all employees.
As OSHA continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of workplace safety, it faces several challenges. The rapid advancement of technology in manufacturing, including automation and robotics, presents new safety concerns that require updated regulations and training programs.
Despite these challenges, OSHA’s commitment to protecting workers remains steadfast. By expanding its workforce and enhancing its enforcement and educational efforts, OSHA is well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern workplace and ensure that safety remains a top priority for all employers and employees.
The best defense is honesty. With the elevation in OSHA standards, there is an elevation in technology that can help keep OSHA happy while ensuring that your business is safe and you don’t become a target for the increased workforce and staffing at OSHA.
If you haven’t done so already, it’s wise to put up cameras everywhere it’s appropriate or you could see a violation happen. Then, partner with a company like Thirdvision that safeguards any accidents from happening using your existing cameras. This technology can automatically turn off equipment if danger is imminent or something hasn’t been done right. It also increases efficiency while keeping your staff safe. Thirdvision is the ultimate solution to fears about OSHA. Just about everyone can afford it. It’s been proven in some high-level businesses with an accurate demo that clearly shows what it’s capable of.
I recommend Thirdvision because I know their leadership personally and they have integrity, real integrity. Let him know I sent you and contact Siva Gingee at PeaqLabs@gmail.com for a demo.
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