US Department of Labor announces changes to OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program to strengthen enforcement, improve compliance

US Department of Labor announces changes to OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program to strengthen enforcement, improve compliance
Program focuses on employers who repeatedly disregard workers’ safety, health
WASHINGTON – To strengthen enforcement and improve compliance with workplace safety standards and reduce worker injuries and illnesses, the U.S. Department of Labor is expanding the criteria for placement in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

The new criteria include violations of all hazards and OSHA standards and will continue to focus on repeat offenders in all industries. Previously, an employer could be in the program for failing to meet a limited number of standards. The changes will broaden the program’s scope with the possibility that additional industries will fall within its parameters.

Since 2010, the Severe Violator Enforcement Program has focused on enforcement and inspection resources on employers who either willfully or repeatedly violate federal health and safety laws or demonstrate a refusal to correct previous violations. In addition to being included on a public list of the nation’s severe violators, employers are subject to follow-up inspections.
— Read on content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOL/bulletins/32d2736