Several business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, have filed a lawsuit challenging OSHA’s per-employee penalty policy for safety gear violations.
The rule has been in effect since Jan. 12, 2009, and OSHA has already used it.
OSHA has said it intends to use these new measures only in egregious cases in which employers showed a clear disregard for issuing PPE to employees. However, the standard doesn’t spell out that it’s only for use in severe cases.
The National Association of Manufacturers points out that a $7,000 fine for lack of or incorrect PPE could turn into a $700,000 penalty if 100 employees within a facility are required to wear that type of PPE.
Arguments in the case are expected to begin in November.
Do you think OSHA should be able to fine companies, per employee, for PPE violations? If so, under what circumstances? Let us know in the Comments Box below.