OSHA updates for January 2019 Email
Written by ALCC   
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 01:00 AM

Safety firstThe U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a number of informational updates that may affect landscape companies.

OSHA penalties increase in 2019
OSHA's civil penalties amounts for violations of workplace safety and health standards will increase in 2019 to adjust for inflation. The adjusted maximum penalty amounts will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. New penalties for willful and repeat violations will be $132,598 per violation; serious, other-than-serious, and posting requirements are $13,260 per violation; and failure to abate violations are $13,260 per day beyond the abatement date.

Employers Must Post 2018 Injury/Illness Summary Beginning Feb. 1
Each year, from Feb. 1 to April 30, a copy of OSHA form 300A must be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements.

Fall prevention resources issued
OSHA has developed a collection of compliance assistance resources to address falls in the workplace, the leading cause of worker fatality in the construction industry. OSHA’s goal is to promote awareness about common fall hazards in construction, educate job creators and workers on fall prevention, and reduce the number of fall-related injuries and fatalities.

Falls can be prevented if employers plan ahead to ensure the job is done safely; provide the right equipment; and train workers to use the equipment safely. OSHA is working with industry stakeholders to provide informative compliance assistance resources.

  • The sixth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will be held May 6-10, 2019. The weeklong outreach event encourages employers and workers to pause during the workday to discuss fall hazards and how to prevent them. 
  • A series of fall safety videos show how to prevent construction-related fall hazards from floor openings, skylights, fixed scaffolds, bridge decking, reroofing, and leading edge work.
  • OSHA’s Fall Prevention Training Guide provides a lesson plan for employers including several Toolbox Talks.
  • Fact sheets on ladders and scaffolding provide guidance on the safe use of these types of equipment while performing construction activities.
  • A brief video, 5 Ways to Prevent Workplace Falls, encourages employers to develop a fall prevention plan, and to provide workers with fall protection and training.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
What is a well-being program?
Landscape companies invited to participate in compensation data survey for the industry
Education for landscape professionals at ProGreen EXPO

Colorado Green celebrates 40 years in print