» Jail Time for Violating Safety Regulations

Jail Time for OSHA Violations?

OSHA regulations are not recommendations; they are Federal Regulations. Employers across America are familiar with the need to comply with OSHA. Though not all employers comply, many make a valid attempt at protecting their workforce from workplace hazards. For those that disregard safety in the workplace or fall short in their attempt at OSHA compliance, OSHA citations may be incurred. These OSHA citations can really add up! (OSHA’s fine schedule is listed below, taken from www.osha.gov)

But did you know that you can be IMPRISONED for failure to comply with OSHA regulations? Last month in September, a New York asbestos contractor was sentenced to 6 years in prison for lying to OSHA inspectors about employee exposure and violating the Clean Air Act. Employees were neither provided training nor the proper personal protective clothing when handling the hazardous material, which can cause asbestosis and/or lung cancer, as well as mesothelioma. These types of hazards must be properly communicated to the employee, and the appropriate measures must be taken to protect employees from all hazards.

When it comes to employee safety and hazard communication, employers should ensure compliance with the appropriate OSHA regulations. HazCommpliance, LLC, offers assistance with complying with the Hazard Communication Standard, as well as other safety regulations. Visit www.osha.gov or www.hazcommpliance.com for more information.

VIOLATION TYPE	PENALTY
WILLFUL A violation that the employer intentionally and knowingly commits or a violation that the employer commits with plain indifference to the law.	OSHA may propose penalties of up to $70,000 for each willful violation, with a minimum penalty of $5,000 for each willful violation.
SERIOUS A violation where there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and that the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.	There is a mandatory penalty for serious violations which may be up to $7,000.
OTHER-THAN-SERIOUS A violation that has a direct relationship to safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.	OSHA may propose a penalty of up to $7,000 for each other-than-serious violation.
REPEATED A violation that is the same or similar to a previous violation.	OSHA may propose penalties of up to $70,000 for each repeated violation.

Jail Time for Violating Safety Regulations

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