The occupational safety and health community is expecting OSHA to increase their enforcement activity in the manufacturing sector in 2023, with a focus on OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program, or "SVEP" program. OSHA's SVEP program focuses enforcement activity on violators who have shown a propensity for violating workplace safety standards, and who refuse to mitigate violations that continue to put workers at risk.
OSHA workplace inspections have been in almost constant decline for the last 10 years, but a renewed mission to protect workers from the current administration will likely result in an increase in inspections, violations and fines from the numbers seen in 2022. Employers can help protect themselves from painful and expensive OSHA visits by implementing the following things:
A well designed safety program that clearly outlines how you intend to protect workers from hazards in the workplace.
A commitment from all stakeholders (ownership, employees, vendors and visitors) to work safely at all times both at work and at home.
Creation of a positive safety culture, where good behaviors are rewarded through incentive programs, and where employees are encouraged to report potential hazards and near misses through incentivizing reporting.
Clearly outlined progressive discipline for violations of the employer's safety program.
Well organized OSHA record keeping practices.
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