Duties of the Employer:
Employers are required to:
comply with OSHA regulations and ensure a workplace free of known risks
give the necessary OSHA training
Keep track of any injuries and illnesses.
offer medical tests as needed by OSHA requirements and allow employees access to their exposure and medical records
not discriminate against employees who utilize their OSHA rights (Section 11(c))
OSHA violations and abatement verification notifications should be posted.
personal protective equipment should be provided and paid for
Table of Contents
Inspections:
Except under exceptional situations, OSHA conducts inspections without prior warning. Moreover, anybody who informs an employer of an impending OSHA inspection may face penalties and prison time.
Violations:
OSHA infractions are classified into four classes, each with its own penalty.
Willful: A willful violation is one that the employer does purposefully and knowingly, or one that the employer conducts with blatant disregard for the law. OSHA may charge fines of up to $70,000 for each willful violation, with a $5,000 minimum.
Serious: A significant breach is one in which death or serious bodily injury is likely to occur from the danger and the employer was aware of, or should have been aware of, the hazard. Serious offenses carry a required penalty of up to $7,000 in fines.
Other-than-
Serious: An other-than-severe violation is one that has a direct connection to safety and health but is unlikely to result in death or significant bodily damage. OSHA may impose a fine of up to $7,000 for each non-serious violation.
A recurring violation is one that is the same or similar to a prior infraction. OSHA may issue fines of up to $70,000 for repetitive violations.
