Companies Fined by OSHA For Worker Deaths Have Reduced Penalties

November 28, 2023

 

Some penalties for workers’ death in Massachusettes reduced

  • The average fine imposed by OSHA on employers involved in workplace fatalities in 2022 was about $38,000, according to a report by The Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCosh).
  • However, the final penalty paid by the companies was less than $22,000, reflecting a more than 40% reduction.
  • OSHA said settlements are made on a case-by-case basis taking into account circumstances, safety issues, and the correction.
  • In some cases, companies cited for serious violations could have them deleted and end up paying nothing.
    Read more

OSHA inspectors declined slightly

  • The number of OSHA inspectors declined slightly in fiscal year 2023, following a large gain the prior year, according to agency data.
  • The agency had 878 inspectors, a loss of 14 and 1.6% fewer than in the year before, which is attributed to ongoing budget uncertainty.
  • The decrease comes after OSHA saw a significant inspector increase in fiscal year 2022, when 142 new positions were filled.
  • At the close of fiscal year 2023, OSHA had 232 area directors and assistant area directors, 15 more than were employed at the end of 2022.
    Read more

Construction firm admits to causing death of employee

  • A construction company based in Old Bridge, New Jersey, admitted violating OSHA standards, leading to the death of an employee.
  • Zona Roofing LLC pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to an information charge with one count of willfully violating OSHA standards by failing to provide fall protection and fall protection training to employees engaged in the replacement of a residential roof, which caused the death of an employee.
  • Zona Roofing will be sentenced to five years of probation and will pay restitution of $75,000 to the employee’s family members.
  • None of the firm’s employees had received fall protection training to recognize the hazards of falling or the procedures to be followed to minimize those hazards.
    Read more

OSHA approves application of TÜV Rheinland of North America 

  • OSHA approved the application of TÜV Rheinland of North America Inc. for expansion of the scope of its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
  • NRTLs are independent laboratories that are recognized by OSHA to test and certify products for safety. The company manufacturers eBikes, personal E-mobility devices and battery chargers
  • ÜV Rheinland has been operating for more than 150 years and ranks among the world’s leading testing service providers.
  • The company has more than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual revenues of around of more than $2 billion.
    Read more