Federal and State Worksite Inspections
UPDATE
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OSHA Inspections
In 2004, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) conducted 37,493 inspections of worksites across the country. Of these inspections, 7,975 (21%) were referrals or follow-ups to earlier inspections, while 9,007 (24%) were related to complaints or accidents. Fully 20,511 (55%), however, were targeted specifically at businesses where there existed the potential for high hazard.
In total, OSHA identified 78,433 violations.
Most (70%) violations were considered serious—i.e., there was substantial
probability that death or serious physical harm could result and that the employer knew,
or should have known, of the hazard. Penalties for serious violations range up to $7,000
per violation.
At 26%, the next-highest category of violation was other—i.e., the violation had a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. Penalties for other violations are discretionary, but may range up to $7,000.
Repeat offenses (with penalties of up to $70,000) accounted for 2.5% of total inspections, while less than 1% were considered willful—i.e., the employer intentionally and knowingly committed the violation. Penalties for willful violations range from $5,000 to $70,000.
Penalties levied by OSHA on employers for health and safety violations came to $72,827,278. Of this amount, $48,312,043 was levied for serious violations, $11,799,539 for willful violations, and $7,710,736 for repeat violations.
State Inspections
Twenty-six states conducted workplace inspections as part of their OSHA-approved safety and health programs in 2002. As with the federal inspections, most (61%) targeted high-hazard businesses, while 25% were complaint or accident-related, and 14% were follow-up visits. Altogether, state agencies conducted 58,402 inspections, resulting in 144,075 violations, with a total of $75,871,882 in penalties levied:
|
Violations |
Percent |
Type |
Penalties |
|
219 |
(0.2%) |
Willful |
$6,444,925 |
|
58,476 |
(40%) |
Serious |
$55,480,047 |
|
2,490 |
(2%) |
Repeat |
$5,477,344 |
|
81,219 |
(56%) |
Other |
$4,690,873 |
Extensis Risk Management Services
As the data above indicate, it is vital for employers—particularly those in industries considered high-hazard, with high injury and illness rates—to maintain safe and healty worksites in order to protect their employees from harm and their businesses from exposure to federal and state penalties.
To help our clients reduce their exposure to risk and associated costs, Extensis has implemented a Risk Management Program with four key objectives:
-
Create a safer working environment
-
Enhance effectiveness and efficiencies of operations
-
Establish and maintain regulatory compliance
-
Reduce workers' compensation expenses
To reach these objectives, Extensis tailors a specific program for each client based upon their industry, exposures, operations, facilities, experiences, employees and needs.
Most elements of the program have specific measurements, which are used to evaluate progress. For more information on implementing a comprehensive risk management and cost reduction program for your company, contact Extensis Risk Management at 888/473-6398, or email us by clicking here