The Labor Department recently revealed the updated Occupational Safety and Health Administration civil penalties for 2024, making violations of safety rules on job sites even more costly. Effective Jan. 15, OSHA’s maximum penalties for violations have risen from $15,625 to $16,131 per violation, while the penalty for willful or repeated violations has increased from $156,259 to $161,323 per violation.
This 3.2% annual increase reflects a milder adjustment compared to the 7.7% hike in penalties observed from 2022 to 2023. These adjustments are linked to the annual cost-of-living increases across the federal government and inflation.
For detailed information, visit the OSHA Penalties page (www.osha.gov/penalties) and review the final rule (www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/11/2024-00253/federal-civil-penalties-inflation-adjustment-act-annual-adjustments-for-2024).
Ensuring the safety of residential construction workers is a paramount concern for NAHB, and it should be the foremost priority for every builder, remodeler and contractor. Fall injuries are the most common type of construction site injuries, and align with OSHA’s most-cited violations on job sites.
The top OSHA violations for fiscal year 2023 include:
• Fall protection, general requirements: 7,271
• Hazard communication, chemicals: 3,213
• Ladders: 2,978
• Scaffolding: 2,859
• Powered industrial trucks: 2,561
• Lockout/tagout: 2,554
• Respiratory protection: 2,481
• Fall protection, training requirements: 2,112
• Eye and face protection: 2,074
• Machine guarding: 1,644
To safeguard both workers and your bottom line, leverage free safety resources (www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-issues/safety-and-health/safety-365) from the National Association of Home Builders. Additionally, consider these winter-specific tips to prevent falls on building sites:
Use slip-resistant boots with good traction to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces
Increase the frequency of site inspections during winter to identify and address potential hazards promptly
Stay informed about weather conditions and take preventive measures when adverse weather is forecast
Conduct specialized training sessions on winter-specific safety measures, emphasizing the risks associated with colder temperatures
Enhance lighting on the site to improve visibility, especially during shorter daylight hours
By incorporating these winter safety measures alongside existing protocols, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls on building sites.
Stay alert, keep safety in mind, and use the resources at hand to make sure the work environment stays secure.
To find additional safety resources along with information on how the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga can benefit your business, visit our website at hbagc.net.