Fines for OSHA Training

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is the government organization within the U.S. Department of Labor that is responsible for defining and enforcing health and safety at work regulations. If employers do not abide by its rules regarding training of employees in OSHA regulations, they can be fined.

Facts

• The average fine for failing to train employees adequately in the safety aspects of their job is $447 for each employee who does not receive adequate training, as of October 2010, according to eOffice Safety Tips website.

Importance

• Safety training is very important because if employees are not adequately trained in how to conduct their work in a safe manner, injuries can occur. Training should include the use of safety equipment, such as respirators and how to handle hazardous materials. Adhering to OSHA regulations regarding training can help prevent injuries and save companies from being fined hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Considerations

• Inadequate training is just one of the things that employers can get fined for if on inspection by OSHA, they fail to meet requirements. If a company is found to be in violation of an OSHA regulation and it does not take the necessary steps to correct it by the deadline provided, hefty fines of $7,000 can be applied to the offending company for every day that the violation extends before the deadline, as of October 2010, according to Environmental Health and Safety Online.