OSHA Responding to Advanced Technology

March 31, 2023

OSHA looking at robotics

  • Manufacturers are using advanced robotic systems, which has made OSHA set a standard for the “Control of Hazardous Energy” in many workplaces.
  • OSHA has created several provisions, including that all sources of energy, including energy stored in the machine itself, be controlled during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment using energy-isolating devices (EIDs).
  • Because of technological advances since the standard was issued, OSHA has recognized that control circuit-type devices may be at least as safe as EIDs.
  • OSHA can penalize serious violations up to $15,625 per infraction.
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Texas auto dealership fined for back pay, damages

  • A Texas court required Hi Tech Imports LLC, an Austin auto dealership, to pay $15,000 in damages to an employee fired in 2020 after raising COVID-19 safety concerns
  • Hi Tech Imports LLC reinstated the worker and paid $116,000 in back wages in the earlier agreement
  • The court also forbade the dealership from discriminating against their employees when they exercise their federally protected rights to raise workplace safety concerns.
  • The dealership illegally retaliated against the employee in December 2020, violating whistleblower protections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
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OSHA takes action after man falls from bridge

  • OSHA fined the Wisconsin company building the Lance Corporal Leon Deraps Interstate 70 Missouri River Bridge $31,250 after a worker fell into the water.
  • The agency issued a fine against the Lunda Construction Company for an incident on September 27, 2022.
  • Missouri Department of Transportation officials said at the time that the man fell from the replacement bridge, next to the current bridge.
  • They also said he did not fall from the full height of the bridge.
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Woman files workers comp after amputation at ice cream store

  • OSHA is investigating an accident at the Corvallis (Oregon) Cold Stone Creamery where a woman lost three fingers while cleaning an ice cream machine.
  • The woman has already filed a workers’ compensation claim in response to the injury and could be pursuing legal action.
  • The rotors of an ice cream machine pulled the towel she was using and her hand into the machine’s blades.
  • The employees reportedly immediately quit their jobs in response to the incident.
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