OSHA implements changes
- OSHA has implemented several new enforcement penalties this year.
- The agency has increased the maximum penalty amount for serious and other-than-serious violations to $15,625 per violation.
- OSHA also will attempt to cite more violations separately rather than “grouping” them, which would result in higher penalty amounts and more total violations for employers.
- Two or more serious or other-than-serious violations constitute a single hazardous condition that is overall classified as the most serious item.
Clarifying rules for OSHA violations
- Incidents outside the office or workspace can still violate OSHA rules.
- Slipping and falling on ice in a company parking lot while commuting to or from work be considered work-related because a company parking lot is considered part of the work environment.
- However, an injury while clearing the snow off his personal vehicle in the company parking lot does not meet the personal tasks exemption.
- A parking area where the employer does not have control, such as a parking lot outside of a building shared by different employers, would not be considered part of the employer’s premises.
Montana Safety Services Council forms OSHA alliance
- OSHA and the Montana Safety Services Council have established a two-year alliance to maintain a voluntary cooperative relationship.
- The two organizations communicate on enforcement, regulatory, and outreach initiatives.
- The alliance also provides a framework for information sharing and technical discussions between MSSC members, OSHA personnel, and industry safety and health professionals.
- The Montana Safety Services Council is a not-for-profit educational association that provides safety and health-related services to more than 130 businesses throughout the state and Wyoming.
Investigation opens at Virginia post office
- OSHA opened an inspection at the U.S. Postal Service’s Chesapeake facility, responding to an allegation that the employer did not provide potable water to the facility or an operating bathroom.
- OSHA inspectors learned the Postal Service had not paid water and sanitation bills dating back to February 2022, which resulted in late payment fees.
- The water supply was shut off for non-payment and was not returned to service until the day after OSHA’s inspection.
- Inspectors determined the facility made an employee work there without running water or a usable bathroom for more than a month and proposed $13,840 in penalties.