OSHA®, the Occupational Safety and Hazards Administration, announced a number of major changes in 2016. And with just a few weeks left before the New Year, the administration just revealed another biggie for the manufacturing industry. In an effort to further reduce workplace amputations, a number of states are now facing a major crackdown by OSHA®. Will your job be affected?
Crackdown
Each year, over 2,600 amputations occur from workplace injuries. 1,400 of these, a whopping 57%, comes from just one industry – manufacturing. Of these incidents, the majority occur when workers operate machines that do not have proper safety guards in place.
OSHA®, determined to change these alarming statistics, has undertaken a targeted enforcement to protect workers in the manufacturing industry, specifically those working in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Kelly C. Knighton, regional administrator of OSHA®, states that, the “focus on amputation hazards reminds employers that safety and health should remain a top priority” and that she hopes “the focus on the issue will reduce the potential for continued worker exposure to unguarded machines and equipment.”
A targeted enforcement phase is now underway. This includes a review of employers in industries where amputations are more likely, as well as on-site inspections. These inspections will come from federal safety and health inspectors who will evaluate working conditions, operations, recordkeeping and safety & health programs.
The number of OSHA® inspections isn’t the only thing that’s going to increase either. Earlier this year, the administration announced that they will be increasing fines by as much as 78%. Fines for serious violations have increased to $12,471 from $7,000. Repeated violations now command a staggering $124,709 vs. the past amount of $70,000
Keep Your Workers Safe
Failing to ensure a safe workplace for your employees is a costly business – in terms of both profits and, more importantly, loss of human life or limbs. In order to avoid these casualties and ensure that your employees operate in a safe environment, it’s critical that your company utilizes a comprehensive safety awareness program that is OSHA® compliant and encourages employee engagement.
Why does engagement matter? When employees are engaged, companies experience 48% fewer safety incidents, and absenteeism and turnover rates reduce by 37%. These same companies also see a 22% increase in profitability and a 21% increase in productivity. For these reasons – and many more – it’s essential that the safety incentive program you select focuses on leading indicators and keeping your employees engaged in your safety culture.
C.A. Short Company partners with companies to manage, drive and facilitate increased employee engagement to increase financial performance, productivity, quality, and core performance outcomes. Our process and research-based platform enables executives and managers to engage their teams to increase the bottom line, motivate staff, and incentivize positive behavior. To request a Complimentary Consultation, please click here.