F E AT U R E Learning from 2021 for a Safe and Healthy 2022 by Abby Fenzel, YellowBird
Looking back at 2021, there’s a lot we can learn from the Top 10 OSHA fines. These fines can be the first indicator of what OSHA inspectors will be looking for when they inspect your site in 2022. Top 10 OSHA Fines in 2021 • Fall Protection (General) • Hazard Communication • Respiratory Protection • Scaffolding • Ladders • Lockout/Tagout • Powered Industrial Trucks • Fall Protection – Training
Requirements
• Personal Protective and Life
Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection
• Machine Guarding
16
J A N U A R Y
2 0 2 2
Not only were there a considerable amount of OSHA fines in 2021, but there were also 57,703 regulatory changes. Trying to navigate all the changes and knowing which apply to your business can be a herculean task. Hiring an EHS Professional can help you steer the ship through choppy OSHA waters, and address issues on your own timeline. Moving forward into 2022, in addition to learning from 2021’s top fines, here are the top trends you should consider when building out your 2022 Safety Plan. 1. Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS): Vaccine mandates: Companies that have federal contracts and healthcare workers are required per the ETS to be fully vaccinated. For companies with more than 100 employees, the employees either must be fully vaccinated OR submit to weekly
T H E
testing and wear a face covering while at work. Those employers with less than 100 employees may opt to mandate. 58% of workers expressed they would consider quitting if their employer did not mandate vaccines. With the continuing confusion regarding legal stays on the mandate, along with various state and local guidelines, it can be difficult to navigate what keeps you in compliance. 2. Mental Health: Impacting both worker productivity and on-thejob suicide rates, many companies are putting programs in place to address improving worker mental health. If you haven’t recently, make sure your employees know what resources are available to them (healthcare, Employee Assistance Programs, mental health days if your company offers them, etc).
C O N T R A C T O R ’ S
C O M P A S S
