Get Prepared for that Audit!
Audits are a bit scary, but if one is prepared for them, they are painless. When an auditing contractor comes onsite, keep in mind the following:
Make sure all of your documentation is available. Searching for materials during an audit not only is time consuming, but also shows a lack of organization and questionable documentation
Have facility representatives available during the audit. It is important for facility employees to have a say in how their facility runs.
Do not try to persuade an auditor to not document a hazardous situation. Audits are to show the current state of a facility. This allows for a better, safer system.
Increase in OSHA fines
Over recent years, OSHA has tried to convince Congress to increase civil penalties due to the culture of “injuries are just the cost of doing business” mindset. As of November 2, 2015, increases have been approved. Hidden in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, provisions were approved for OSHA to significantly increase fines, up to approximately 80%. Changes have been in effect since August of 2016.
BEING FINED can lead to costly encounters with OSHA inspectors. Employers are advised to:
Ensure safety programs are up to date
Ensure all necessary safety training is completed, and documented. Competency and understanding tests are great ways to document training and understanding of material.
Identify potential hazards in facilities for production, supervisor and manager personnel in facilities.
Complete all OSHA and EPA mandated audits
Ensure all contractors onsite have completed Contractor Safety Packets. Evaluate contractors onsite for safe work practices.
Recent OSHA Violations:
(10/28/2015)1910.147(a)(1)(i)-Control of Hazardous Energy-Covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, could harm employees. This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy. *Current Penalty: $1,105
(11/15/2015)1910.151(a)- The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consulation on matters of plant health. *Current Penalty: $2,476
(6/5/2015)1910.11(c)(1)- Employers shall develop a written plan of action regarding the implementation of the employee participation required by this paragraph. *Current Penatly: $5,500
