OSHA Regional Emphasis Program: On April 8, 2011 OSHA started a Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to target injuries and deaths resulting from falls, scaffolds, and electrocutions from overhead power lines. The regional emphasis program includes Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. In the text of this REP it is explained that all violations of these standards will cited at $7,000 per violation. No considerations will be given to the severity of the violation (example: an employee 8' above the ground with no fall protection will cited the same as an employee at heights 40' with no fall protection) They have also listed detailed steps you must take to reach a max reduction of 25%. No reductions will be given for size of company, company history, or good faith. There are also going to be unannounced weeks of “enforcement saturation" of the major cities in each region. Omaha / Douglas and Sarpy county areas are detailed to be canvassed by OSHA to look for the targeted violations as well as Wichita, St Louis, and others. It is thought that additional inspectors will be periodically brought in from other offices to assist in the enforcement saturation effort. This effort will be a block by block search for construction sites with these hazards! Make sure your company and employees are trained on these topics, specifically:
1. FALL PROTECTION
2. PROPER LADDER USE
3. SCAFFOLD: setup, use and inspection
4. LIFTS: Scissor lift, manlift, boom truck, forklift platform, crane or bucket truck
5. ELECTROCUTION by overhead power lines from any on this list
Review what to do during an OSHA inspection and have your company written safety programs on site or in the company vehicles. It would be wise to inform your employees of this REP. If the employee decides to take a chance and does not to follow your safety rules and were to get caught, the fine to you will be $7,000 per violation.
If you have any questions or are interested in a safety consultant contract contact Chris Alder at 402 429-5140 or Jeff Boettcher at 402 405-6884.