This year, President Obama has instructed OSHA to increase jobsite inspections and prosecutions - that includes small companies.
To be sure you follow all OSHA regulations, visit www.osha.com or call (877) 922-7233 and review this list of the most common fines small companies paid in 2007.
- General Requirement – Total fines: $6,601,703; Average fine: $2,182
Hazards on a jobsite range from hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment to falls, fire and electric shock.
- Excavation Requirements – Total fines: $1,625,293; Average fine: $2,110
Reasons small companies are fined include not having the proper permits, not meeting access or egress regulations and not performing daily inspections.
- Fall Protection – Total fines: $5,417,592; Average fine: $1,160
Reasons companies are fined include properly constructing or installing safety equipment, not properly training employees in the use of fall protection equipment and not using safe work practices.
- Ladders – Total fines: $1,245,494; Average fine: $698
You must provide a training program for each employee that uses ladders or stairs.
- Wiring Design and Protection – Total fines: $461,269; Average fine: $542
You are required to use ground fault circuit interrupter equipment or an equipment grounding conductor program.
- Head Protection – Total fines: $747,099; Average fine: $511
If your employees are not wearing hard hats, you can be cited and fined.
- Training – Total fines: $666,537; Average fine: $447
Your employees must be trained in every aspect of the job, including tool safety, use of personal protective equipment, and equipment operation.
- Hazard Communications – Total fines: $175,265; Average fine: $281
A list of all hazardous materials on your jobsite must be posted where all employees can see it.