Job Site Violations Can Lead To Serious Consequences For Employers
Worker well-being is jeopardized when job-site violations occur.
Construction workers are faced with on-the-job hazards daily, and when safety protocols have not been instituted, or worse – just not followed, these hazards can cause serious injuries, or even death. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the leading causes of construction fatalities are falls, struck-by incidents, caught-between incidents and electrocutions – also known as the Focus Four. So what happens when OSHA cites a company for job site violations?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations can jeopardize the well-being of workers and lead to serious consequences for employers. OSHA, the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, classifies violations into different categories based on their severity. The most severe category is "Willful Violation," which involves intentional disregard for safety regulations. Employers committing willful violations may face substantial fines and even criminal charges. This category highlights a blatant disregard for the safety of workers, reflecting a dangerous approach to workplace safety. Companies often find themselves on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars, much like this Illinois contractor for multiple willful, and several serious infractions.
Serious violations, another category, involve situations where there is a substantial probability of death or serious harm, and the employer knew or should have known about the potential hazard. Fines for serious violations aim to encourage prompt correction of hazardous conditions. Failure to address these issues promptly can lead to increased penalties. Another category is "Repeated Violations," which occurs when an employer has been cited for the same or a similar violation within the previous five years. This emphasizes the importance of consistently addressing and rectifying safety concerns to prevent recurring hazards.
Lastly, "Other-than-Serious Violations" are those that have a direct relationship to job safety and health but are unlikely to cause death or serious harm. These violations may include inadequate recordkeeping or procedural oversights. While the fines for these violations are less severe, they still underscore the importance of addressing all aspects of workplace safety. Understanding these categories is crucial for employers to prioritize and maintain a safe working environment, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
Armed with an understanding of OSHA’s regulations can help keep construction workers safe on a daily basis, training can and will reduce the number of on-the-job incidents and accidents. Call 708-449-8604 to schedule your private training class or view our complete calendar of classes here.