OSHA Fines for Lack of Proper Emergency Response Plan
Posted on Fri, Aug 06, 2010
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) role is to assure these conditions for America's workforce by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.
On April 2010 OSHA cited American Packaging Corporation with 29 alleged violations of federal workplace health and safety standards, following an investigation of an employee’s death in October 2009. Those violations included the lack of a proper emergency response plan and the lack of procedures for contacting rescue and emergency services. Fines totaling $127,350 were assessed to the company.
It was only six months before the death of the long-time American Packaging Corporation employee that OSHA declared American Packaging Corporation as a star site in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). "American Packaging has an excellent record in workplace safety and health," said Kimberly Stille, director of OSHA's Madison, Wisconsin, area office, who presented the company with a VPP star flag and plaque. "This site's outstanding efforts include management commitment and continuous improvement, as well as exceptional employee involvement in safety and health programs." It is unclear if OSHA reviewed their Emergency Response Plan at the time.
Corporations must ensure that their Emergency Response Plan is a living document that addresses all potential emergencies and all aspects of a potential emergency. Internal audits and/or external consultants can review your emergency response plans and identify areas of deficiencies. Considering the potential cost of cutting corners in an Emergency Response Plan, the efforts put forth to ensure a thorough emergency plan is well worth the time and financial commitment.
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