Comments on: How Obama’s OSHA nominee would ‘fix’ workplace safety

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:43:10 +0000

What is his background in Safety, from his comments it sounds like another Book Safety Person that has never been in the real world outside of his white lab coat, you can increase fines add jail time, but until we hold EMPLOYEES responsible for their actions, we will not change anything, except put good safe companies out of business, not do to fines but do to a bad reputation for what is on the OSHA website that does not reflect the true company.

I have went to approve subcontractors that we have worked with us in the past and pulled up the OSHA website and have seen serious violation for an inspection, have talked with the company and have seen the inspection paperwork, witness statements that have pointed to employee miss conduct and OSHA still issued a citation with over whelming evidence that the company could not have changed the out come, well they could of not hired that employee, but since you can not know how people are going to act.

Its time we as the Free start taking responsibility for our own actions, my hat is off to the International Iron Workers I.M.P.A.C.T. program, they have a statement “Standards of Excellence” that states “Cooperate with the Customer and Employer to meet their statutory, regulatory and contractual responsibilities to maintain a safe, healthy and sanitary workplace.” and they penalties for not following their standard. Great Job Iron Workers!!!

By: LB

LB — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:59:09 +0000

Increasingly we see legislation to fine or criminalize more “bad” behaviors. Never is “good” behavior rewarded by government. Suppose that a clean OSHA record got you a corporate tax credit? Suppose an exemplary workplace resulted in workers getting a few dollars a week more in tax relief in the paycheck? Strict enforcement never has worked alone. What kind of employees would we have without some praise and reward? Yet, government always goes down the power and control route. This needs to be broken!

By: Peggy Borgman

Peggy Borgman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:03:50 +0000

As a business owner who has been fined by OSHA as an “unsafe” workplace, I have a very strong opinion about piling on more regulation.

Are current laws actually being applied properly? I doubt it, and here’s why.

Our massage therapists, unfortunately, often develop repetitive use injuries working a schedule that is far less than 40 hours a week. This is due to using improper body mechanics, a behavior I cannot prevent, let alone, supervise in a private treatment room. Despite additional training and awareness, and options for pre and post shift preventive care, these injuries continue to occur. I cannot control it.

We are our work comp insurer’s poster children for safety and compliance. They frequently compliment us on our knowledge and our application of best practices.

However, because of our “numbers,” OSHA has fined us as an “unsafe” workplace, lumping us in with willful polluters and truly dangerous workplaces. In our case, OSHA regulations are certainly over-applied and unnecessary.

I would like to understand how we can do a better job with what we have before we pile on more regulations. I suspect it has to do with the agency’s staffing and training, not a lack of protections.

Respectfully,

Peggy Wynne Borgman
President
Preston Wynne, Inc.