It’s always easier to avoid danger when you’re aware of it in advance.
This is true of venomous snakes, improperly refrigerated dairy products, and rip currents at the beach. And, it’s true of costly safety violation fines from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Fortunately, thanks to OSHA’s annual “Top 10” list of most frequently cited safety standards, it’s clear where the greatest risks lie.
“Obviously, no business owner or manager wants workers being injured — and they also don’t want to incur huge fines from OSHA,” says Ed Beaulieu, director of Field Operations for Dale Group’s Safegate Safety Solutions unit, which provides result-driven safety consulting services. “But simply wanting favorable outcomes isn’t enough — it’s crucial to consult with experienced professionals to assess risks at an entire work site or business location and then address them before they become accidents.”
According to OSHA, for 2015 — the most recent year for which full data is available — the most frequently cited safety standard was failure to provide adequate fall protection. Afterward, in order, came hazard communication; scaffolding; respiratory protection; lockout/tagout; powered industrial trucks; ladders; electrical; machine guarding; and electrical, general requirements.
For any organization, whether in the construction, healthcare, or another sector, the key is making all necessary changes to dramatically decrease — or, better still, completely eliminate — the likelihood of incurring a fine. And, again, that’s where professionals like those from the Dale Group team can be invaluable.
“Keeping workers and staff safe and avoiding fines is significantly more complicated than many managers believe,” Beaulieu adds. “Once a hazard or violation is identified — be it potential for falls, electrical, or whatever — the next consideration is how to correct it. That’s the benefit of working with a team of experts. They understand what will keep everyone safe, along with what’s needed to satisfy an OSHA inspector.”
For anyone overseeing a work environment, it’s essential to understand the various roles related to federal safety inspections. OSHA personnel are charged with enforcing specific regulations, and levying fines when appropriate; safety consultants are problem-solvers, whose primary role is identification and implementation of the most up-to-date solutions.
About the Dale Group
Founded in 1994 to provide businesses with commercial insurance and surety bonds, along with personal insurance, employee benefits, and financial services, New Jersey-based Dale Group helps client companies secure the future and maximize profits through comprehensive insurance and bonding programs. These are cost-effective, secure, competitively-priced, and backed by top-rated insurance companies. Dale Group’s staff of highly-trained insurance professionals excels at identifying areas of exposure and creating customize coverage. Additional information on Dale Group is available by visiting www.dalegroup.com or by calling 973-377-7000.