Can OSHA fine me for findings identified during their onsite audit or any other assistance visits as we work toward VPP status?
We cannot speak for OSHA but typically, any site indicating their intentions to pursue VPP status enjoys a more cordial relationship with OSHA. While OSHA is on the site assisting with the VPP process and witnesses serious or willful safety violations, OSHA will ask that these issues be immediately mitigated. If the site refuses to correct the issue or disagrees with the request the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA shall be notified to arbitrate a satisfactory conclusion to the issue. Sites participating in the VPP program are no more likely to receive a fine for identified compliance issues than non-participating sites. In fact, sites that proactively identify and self-report compliance issues are less likely to be fined (i.e. or be fined lesser amounts) than those sites with similar compliance issues discovered during routine OSHA site inspections.
Related Questions
- When faced with an OSHA combustible dust fine, should I consider an explosion-proof vacuum or dust ignition-proof vacuum – or will mops and brooms do the job?
- Can OSHA fine me for findings identified during their onsite audit or any other assistance visits as we work toward VPP status?
- Can my company request that penalty and interest assessed in the audit findings be waived?
