Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited 37 establishments for violations resulting in proposed penalties totaling $484,069.
OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing employers for violations including failures to:
- Implement a written respiratory protection program;
- Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment;
- Report an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and
- Comply with the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and health Act of 1970
OSHA has already issued press releases relating to nine establishments, which can be found at dol.gov/newsroom. In addition to those establishments, 28 establishments have received coronavirus-related citations from OSHA relating to one or more of the above violations. OSHA provides more information about individual citations at its Establishment Search website which is updated periodically.
Remember, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education and assistance.
Please take a few minutes to access the full list of what standards were cited for each organization, review what you are currently doing and remember, OSHA doesn’t care if you are big or small, skilled, or assisted, they are there to protect the employees’ health. Stay well, stay safe, and stay tuned!