How frequently are criminal penalties imposed for employers exposing their workers to dangerous conditions?
Cullen: I was looking recently to find out how many people actually received jail time for willful OSHA violations. I couldn’t find one. I don’t know if anybody has served any serious jail time for a workplace fatality. There was a recent case where someone was sentenced 17 years I think but it was under an environmental law. MM: You worked with companies as a safety officer. Why can’t companies by themselves assure a safe workplace? Cullen: Many can and many do. Many want to keep their workers safe and healthy. These are people they work with. These are people that keep their businesses going. But as with anything, there are those that need more pressure to do things the right way. Sometimes it costs money. The threat of an inspection or a penalty helps push some employers who may choose to take a short cut to do the right thing. MM: Do the majority of employers want to do the right thing? Cullen: I would hope so, yes. MM: They know that a strong OSHA helps them do the right thing. Wh
