Actions To Take For OSHA Citations And Penalties ✓ Solved

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR THE OSHA CITATION AND PENALTIES

After the company received the letter stating the various citations and penalties they are facing, it was important to take immediate action. OSHA requires that Acme takes steps to address the penalties and the citations; otherwise, the company risks being shut down as per OSHA regulations. This has been established to ensure that companies do not overlook their responsibility to ensure the safety of workers. If Acme does nothing about the charges against it, it could face further accusations that will lead to significant expenses.

Several allegations were made against Acme concerning working conditions and employee safety following an inspection. After receiving the letter, the following actions would help the company respond to the citations and penalties:

  1. The company will improve control measures for lead levels in the workplace. Management has decided to install individual hoods to control lead emissions, thereby reducing employee exposure and preventing respiratory diseases.
  2. Punishments will be enforced for workers who fail to wear safety gloves and face masks. Employees handling hazardous chemicals must comply with safety regulations to avoid penalties.
  3. The company will replace all unwired cables with new insulated wires to reduce electrocution risks. Heads of maintenance will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
  4. All chemicals must be labeled properly. Unlabeled containers pose risks of misuse and accidents. Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
  5. The company has agreed that all drivers must be trained at recognized driving schools to ensure safety on the road.

The above actions will help the company avoid future penalties from the same mistakes and improve worker safety.

Paper For Above Instructions

Addressing OSHA citations and penalties requires swift and effective actions by the involved company, in this case, Acme. Ensuring worker safety is paramount, not just for compliance with legal regulations but also for enhancing the company's reputation and operational efficiency. In this discussion, we will elaborate on the specific actions Acme has decided to undertake in response to the citations and penalties received from OSHA.

The first crucial action is improving control measures for lead levels in the workplace. Lead exposure is a significant occupational hazard that can lead to severe health issues, including neurological damage and other systemic health problems (McCaffrey, 2013). By installing individual fume hoods, Acme aims to create a safer work environment by minimizing lead emissions. This action represents a commitment to safeguarding employees' health, which is essential in promoting overall workplace safety. While the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the hoods are substantial, they can ultimately contribute to reducing liability and ensuring employee wellbeing (Grant & Hinze, 2014).

Another significant step is the introduction of penalties for employees failing to wear necessary safety gear, such as gloves and masks. It is critical that all employees understand the importance of compliance with safety measures, especially when handling hazardous materials. The enforcement of consequences serves as a deterrent against neglecting safety protocols, fostering a culture of responsibility within the workplace (McCaffrey, 2013). Persistent non-compliance by employees that could jeopardize their safety and that of their colleagues cannot be taken lightly, and such measures will help in curtailing careless behavior.

Additionally, replacing unwired cables with new insulated wires is another vital initiative by Acme. Exposed wires can lead to electrocution risks, which are unacceptable in any workplace setting. Ensuring electrical safety through the use of insulated cables and routine inspections of wiring is essential to preventing accidents and injuries on the job (Tai, 2001). Management's decision to hold the maintenance team accountable for these checks demonstrates their commitment to creating a safer work environment.

The labeling of all chemicals within the workplace is also a mandated action. Unlabelled hazardous chemicals create significant risks of misuse and emergencies that could lead to accidents or injuries. Proper labeling not only complies with OSHA standards but also facilitates safe handling and storage practices (Neuman, 2003). Regular inspections will help ensure that all chemicals are accounted for and managed responsibly.

Lastly, verifying that all drivers within the company have been properly trained at recognized driving schools is non-negotiable. Transport safety plays a crucial role in the overall safety of company operations, especially in environments where products need to move between locations (Braitman & Uelmen, 2012). By confirming that drivers have received the proper training, Acme aims to minimize accidents in transit, contributing to the overall safety and success of the company.

In conclusion, the actions outlined represent a proactive approach by Acme in addressing the citations and penalties issued by OSHA. Each measure is geared towards improving worker safety and compliance, thus preventing future penalties and fostering a culture of safety within the organization. Engaging employees in safety discussions, providing adequate protective gear, and ensuring compliance with safety standards are critical steps toward maintaining a safe work environment. Acme must continue to prioritize these initiatives and ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in creating a safe workplace.

References

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  • Grant, A., & Hinze, J. (2014). Construction Worker Fatalities Related to Trusses: An Analysis of the OSHA Fatality and Catastrophic Incident Database. Safety Science, 65, 54-62.
  • McCaffrey, D. P. (2013). OSHA and the Politics of Health Regulation. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Neuman, T. (2003). Guidance for Implementation of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board.
  • Tai, E. (2001). OSHA Compliance Management: A Guide for Long-Term Health Care Facilities. Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers.
  • Gordon, A. (2010). The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: A Guide for Employers. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 15(2), 151-158.
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  • Lang, L. (2018). Employee Safety Participation: The Role of Supervision. Journal of Safety Research, 66, 175-185.
  • Smith, L. M. et al. (2017). An Evaluation of Safety Training Interventions in the Construction Industry. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(12), 1552.
  • Williams, R. & Mark, S. (2019). Safety Management in Organizations: An Overview of Best Practices. Safety Science, 120, 99-107.

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