What Should an Employer Do When Receiving an OSHA Citation?
What is an OSHA Citation?
An OSHA citation is a legal document issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when it finds a company or employer has violated workplace safety standards. OSHA is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that is responsible for ensuring that employers provide their employees with a safe and healthy work environment.
The Types of Citations
OSHA citations generally fall into two categories: “Serious” and “Willful.” Serious citations are issued when an employer has failed to comply with a safety standard, or has exposed its employees to a hazardous condition. Willful citations are issued when an employer has deliberately ignored or violated safety standards or laws.
What Should an Employer Do When Receiving an OSHA Citation?
If an employer receives an OSHA citation, it is important to take the following steps:
- Read and understand the citation.
- Determine if the citation is valid and if any violations have occurred.
- If violations have occurred, take immediate steps to correct them.
- Respond to the citation by the date specified in the citation.
- Work with the OSHA representative to ensure that all safety standards are met.
- Keep records of all corrective actions taken.
Penalties for Receiving an OSHA Citation
The penalties for receiving an OSHA citation can vary depending on the type and severity of the violation. Generally, employers who receive serious citations are subject to fines ranging from $5,000 to $70,000, while those who receive willful citations can be fined up to $70,000 per violation. Additionally, employers who receive willful citations can be prosecuted under criminal law.
Conclusion
If an employer receives an OSHA citation, the best course of action is to take it seriously and take immediate steps to correct any violations. Employers should also respond to the citation and work with the OSHA representative to ensure that all safety standards are met. Finally, employers should keep records of all corrective actions taken to avoid penalties.