An Investment in Safety Rails Versus an OSHA Fine
24th Apr 2016
One of the main reasons businesses cite as to why they didn’t invest in the right safety rails for their above-ground team is that the equipment was too expensive. They felt that being at risk of paying an OSHA fine was worth it. Putting aside the cost of an injury or even the death of an employee, is an investment in safety really so much more than what you’d pay in OSHA fines if you are found to be working without the right safety rails?
It might not have been worth it for one New Jersey construction company. During an OSHA inspection on their worksite, the company was found to have not provided the correct fall protection, either an independent harness system or safety rails, for their team. OSHA fined them more than $50,000 for the violations. This was actually the company’s eighth violation since 2009, so it’s likely the fines they faced are stiffer than what you might get on your first violation. However, we’re confident in saying it would have been cheaper for the company to simply purchase the safety equipment they needed to be in OSHA compliance. $50,000 will buy you a lot of safety rails.