2020 will go down in history as the year of the nightmarish COVID-19 pandemic that, as of December 2020, had claimed the lives of more than 330,000 Americans (John Hopkins University). The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with the oversite of American businesses in regards to the safety of their workers.
OSHA regulations are federal laws that should not be taken lightly. Violations of OSHA laws come with serious consequences including heavy fines and could even shut down your business. Ignorance is not a defense for breaking the law. Keep reading to learn the newest occupational safety regulations enforced by OSHA inspectors.
OSHA Regulations in Response to COVID-19
It is difficult to find a bright side to the pandemic. At least a new appreciation for workers labeled “essential” is something positive we can take from it. These brave Americans risk their lives to keep the country from falling into chaos during these unprecedented times. OSHA will always enforce regulations that protect them from harm.
According to a December 18, 2020 news release, OSHA has issued citations from 273 inspections resulting in fines totaling $3,646,228. Make sure you have in place the following OSHA rules to avoid having your business added to the list. Attention to detail is key as a “little thing” could cause big problems for your business.
Respiratory Protection Program
OSHA has extensive regulations about the use of personal protective equipment. The failure of training and the use of respirators in hazardous environments is one of the most recorded violations. The COVID-19 virus is a biological contaminant. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is part of the respiratory protection requirements of OSHA.
Required to Report Hospitalizations and Deaths
All work-related illnesses and hospitalizations must be reported to OSHA within 24 hours of the incident. Infections of COVID-19 resulting in hospitalizations and/or death qualify as required reporting. It appears that many businesses are unaware of this and OSHA has fined many businesses for failure to report them.
General Duty Clause
OSHA has a general duty clause that encompasses all employers and employees. It states that the workplace must be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious harm to employees. As every workplace is different, employers must recognize their work environment hazards.
For example: In jobs where employees are required to work from rooftops, they must be trained on rooftop anchor installation and comply with these safety regulations to prevent falls from dangerously high places.
Stay Safe in the Workplace
Whether you’re a business owner or low-level employee occupational safety is everyone’s responsibility. OSHA regulations are nothing to fear or to complain about. They exist only to help prevent accidents, illnesses, and death in the workplace.
If you become aware of a potential OSHA rules violation speak to your supervisor immediately. Take action before your company is heavily fined, shut down, or worse – someone gets hurt. Keep reading our blog for more articles on home improvement, pets and animals, real estate, and more.