Mentioning OSHA to employers can result in a variety of reactions, many of which aren’t very favorable. Organizations often feel that the regulations are costly to follow, require them to implement practices or procedures that are not needed, and are just plain restrictive. Many employers have more favorable views, feeling that OSHA safety standards and inspections can prevent workplace injury or death. Consider the following 

• OSHA compliance officers from the El Paso, Texas, District Office made two employees who were working 80 feet above ground stop working until a fall protection system was installed. The workers and the company complied with the request. 

• A construction worker at National Riggers and Erectors is glad such fall protection systems exist. Working in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the renovation to the Green Bay Packers’ football stadium, this worker slipped off a beam while working some six stories above the ground. Through the use of his fall protection gear, he was rescued unharmed and was able to return to work. Not 60 days later, this same system protected a second fall victim at the stadium. Both of these workers undoubtedly would have died from the fall without such protection. 

• Two window washers were left dangling high above the ground after their scaffolding broke. Again their safety equipment prevented them from a certain death—dangling them high above the ground while they awaited rescue. 

• Several workers were ordered off a deteriorating floor at a demolition site in Chicago. The inspector noticed that the flooring was not stable while workers worked to dismantle part of the floor overhead. Within hours of having the workers removed, the overhead floor caved in—right at the spot where the workers previously stood.

• An OSHA inspector ordered a worker out of a trench that had no shoring or protection from the side walls caving in. Barely 30 seconds after the worker left the trench, it collapsed. Had this worker not followed the inspector’s order to get out, he surely would have been seriously injured or killed.

These events occur every day. Unfortunately, they only make the news when there is a disaster. For OSHA, the success stories are what employee safety is all about—preventing the death or serious injury of all employees.

Questions: 

1. What roles do OSHA inspections play in preserving safe and healthy work environments? Discuss.

2. “OSHA shouldn’t have to inspect every worksite. Employers should act as their own safety inspectors and take action that is warranted.” Build an argument supporting this statement, and one opposing this statement. 

3. Had any of the five events listed above led to serious injury or death, do you believe the employer was liable? Why or why not? If you believe the employer is liable, do you believe any of these could be construed as willful and severe? Defend your position.

4. Research: Go to the OSHA web page at www.osha.gov. Visit the Safety and Health Topics page and explain the current issues listed there.