There are roughly 340 million workplace accidents every single year. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace to your employees. Learn about your obligations.
There are roughly 340 million workplace accidents every single year. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace to your employees. Learn about your obligations.
Wisconsin OSHA regulations apply to virtually everyone in your workplace. This includes all of your workers – regardless of their role or status within your business.
General safety rules include:
The employer must follow safety guidelines.
Employees must use machines or equipment that are safe to operate.
Employers must provide necessary safety equipment.
Employees must receive relevant safety training.
Employees are entitled to a workplace that is free of identifiable hazards.
OSHA violations come with civil penalties of up to $15,625. Willful and repeated violations can result in fines of up to $156,259 per violation.
According to OSHA, the most cited standard is fall protection in the construction industry. This is followed by respiratory protection for general industry and ladder safety for construction sites.
The notice must be posted for three days where employees can see it – or until the violation is removed. You’ll have 15 days to either pay the violation or contest it.
In most cases, OSHA does not have to provide notice before conducting an inspection.
The inspection itself could take anywhere from several hours to several weeks. After the inspection, you’ll be mailed the results within six months.
OSHA has a whistleblower complaint form available for employees. These complaints are confidential but are not anonymous.
OSHA does not have an inspection schedule. Random inspections may happen if OSHA suspects you are in violation of the law or if workplace accidents have happened.
OSHA investigations are often triggered by confidential complaints. They may also be triggered by injuries, illnesses, or deaths in the workplace.
OSHA officials will provide a verbal warning during the inspection rather than giving a violation – but this isn’t always the case.
OSHA does not have the power to shut down a business. They can temporarily order work to stop if they believe imminent danger is present.
A workplace injury attorney will help you understand your responsibilities as an employer.
Get in touch with Mahony Law to schedule a FREE consultation about work injury laws.