It happened. You were fined by OSHA.
Now, it’s time to learn how you can improve your business in the future and avoid any more fines. In fact, taking steps to improve your business can actually help in lowering your penalty by showing some good faith.
The “Quick Fix” Program
OSHA’s “Quick Fix” abatement incentive program gives employers the chance to reduce their fines by up to 15-percent when they immediately improve hazards found during the inspection.
Creating new health and safety programs are efficient ways to make those improvements. Adding a medical surveillance program is simple, yet it can have a big impact.
Companies such as Worksite Medical offer mobile medical units that can drive to your worksite and complete testing during normal workdays.
Highlight Your Clean Record
A clean record — if you have one — can go a long way towards getting your fine reduced.
Usually, if your company has gone five years without a citation or repeat fine, then you can get your penalty reduced by 10-percent.
However, a history that includes serious citations, such as willful infractions, will make it difficult to get your fine reduced.
(Related Article: Mercury Poising Leads To OSHA Investigation and Fines)
See if You Qualify for Size Reduction
Size reduction is the most common method used to reduce OSHA fines.
Usually, the size of the fine is based on the number of employees.
Businesses with 250 or fewer workers may be able to get their fines reduced by as much as 40-percent.
Provide Health and Safety Records
Maintaining accurate health and safety records is one of the most effective ways to reduce, if not eliminate OSHA fines.
If a business can show evidence of limited exposure to the hazard, then the citation may be revoked. These records can provide an accurate representation of health hazards that show whether or not your employees were ever at risk of exposure to health hazards.
A medical surveillance program that regularly tests the exposure of employees, and keeps up-to-date records, can help employers avoid OSHA fines completely.
The clock is ticking. Once you’ve been fined you have 15 days to either settle or contest your fine.
Are you in compliance?
