OSHA Expands Enforcement
If you work in the corporate word, we are sure the topic of ChatGPT has come up. As with all new technology advances, many are worried about the ramifications and what this might mean for the job market. Within minutes of Microsoft's announcement of ChatGPT, Google entered the chat and announced their version entitled Bard. With the start of the AI arms race, we've broken down all the details for you here.
OSHA EXPANDS ENFORCEMENT AGAINST SERIOUS SAFETY VIOLATORS
"Employers with severe workplace safety hazards may soon face a greater number of citations—and penalties. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released new enforcement guidance on Jan. 26 that expands how it applies instance-by-instance citations for serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). The agency is stepping up enforcement to strengthen compliance and help prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
OSHA regional administrators and area office directors will gain the authority to bring instance-by-instance citations for some egregious violations of OSHA standards, instead of grouping them together. OSHA has also broadened the list of situations that may result in instance-by-instance citations to include lockout/tagout, machine guarding, permit-required confined space, respiratory protection, falls and trenching.
The new guidance will take effect March 27 and cover general industry, agriculture, and the maritime and construction industries. It will apply to high-gravity serious violations, meaning situations involving death or permanent, irreversible injury or illness. The gravity of a violation can be low, moderate or high, based on the severity of the injury or illness that could result, as well as the likelihood that it could happen." Learn more
NEW OSHA ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE TARGETS EMPLOYERS WHO PRIORITIZE PROFITS OVER SAFETY
"Safety scofflaws may face increased citations and penalties under an OSHA policy set to go into effect in March. In one of two memos published Jan. 26, OSHA outlines an expansion of scenarios for when it may issue “instance-by-instance citations.” In the other memo, the agency advises regional and area offices of the current policy allowing them to issue citations for each violation, instead of grouping violations.
“Smart, impactful enforcement means using all the tools available to us when an employer ‘doesn’t get it’ and will respond to only additional deterrence in the form of increased citations and penalties,” OSHA administrator Doug Parker said in a press release. “This is intended to be a targeted strategy for those employers who repeatedly choose to put profits before their employees’ safety, health and well-being. Employers who callously view injured or sickened workers simply as a cost of doing business will face more serious consequences.” Learn more
AMAZON FACES MULTIPLE CITATIONS
"OSHA cited Amazon for ergonomic hazards after inspections at three warehouse facilities in Deltona, Fla.; Waukegan, Ill.; and New Windsor, N.Y.
"Workers face immense pressure to meet the pace of work and production quotas at the risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries, which are often acute," OSHA said in a hazard alert sent to Amazon.
OSHA investigators concluded that Amazon warehouse workers were at high risk for lower back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders related to the heaviness of packages; the high frequency with which they must lift packages; moves like twisting, bending and long reaches while lifting; and the long hours required to complete their assigned tasks. The agency said Amazon warehouse workers experienced high rates of musculoskeletal injuries." Learn More
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