If you have a dairy operation in Wisconsin or upstate New York, or a pork production facility in Minnesota, or a feedlot in the plains states, you know that OSHA has been looking at you with greater intensity. Other parts of the country are seeing similar increases in inspection activity. States with their own OSHA agencies have regulations that are more strict than those of federal OSHA. With Agriculture being the last high-risk industry that they haven’t targeted for significant improvements, it’s only logical that they would go here next. Additionally, it is now commonplace for a disgruntled former employee to report specific infractions to these agencies in retaliation for perceived unfairness or mistreatment. If you aren't compliant, just think of that inspector going through your operation with a checklist, ringing up expenses to you faster than a teenage girl using dad's credit card to shop for the prom.
OSHA increased their fines last year by 80% for most infractions, so the price could be even higher for ag businesses who fail to follow all areas of compliance. And OSHA doesn’t care that we are in a bit of a financial slump right now across all areas of agriculture. There has never been a more crucial time to ensure that you are compliant with all regulations. You can’t afford any major financial losses from fines and citations, and we certainly don’t want to overlook the fact that we need to do everything we can to help our employees Get Home Safe every night. (See OSHA fines)
Safety training is great insurance. Studies show that for every $1.00 you spend on safety training you get $4.00 to $6.00 back in reduced insurance premiums, lower medical costs, reduced fines and increased employee satisfaction. Not to mention the savings in equipment repairs and property damage that inevitably occur with some injuries.
At Good Day’s Work we want to do all we can to help you meet your compliance obligations for safety training. No one can guarantee that a specific activity or training will ensure your compliance. Your best and least expensive insurance is having a consistent training program based on OSHA’s regulations, that provides individual tracking of employee performance, and clearly indicates that you are doing your due diligence for the wellbeing of your employees.
