Search

Discretion in OSHA Enforcement During COVID-19

Posted on 4/23/2020 by Lauren Scott

Last week, OSHA released a memo stating that the Agency will consider an employer’s “good-faith efforts” prior to any enforcement action in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

With widespread business closures, travel restrictions, limitations on group gatherings, and stay-at-home or shelter-in-place directives, it may be difficult to provide OSHA-required inspections, audits, and safety oversights.

OSHA will continue to issue citations for workplace safety violations. That said, agency personnel will consider any efforts an employer makes to follow safety regulations prior to any enforcement actions. This may include alternative protections, such as engineering or administrative controls.

Where regulatory compliance is not possible, companies are expected to ensure employees are not exposed to hazards from tasks, processes, or equipment that they were not trained for. Employers must also demonstrate that they exhausted all options to comply with OSHA regulations, such as utilizing virtual training or remote communication strategies.

After completing an OSHA inspection during which there one or more violations are found that do not result in a citation, OSHA will continue to monitor and reassess the workplace to ensure corrective actions are made when available.

Convenient, Reliable Online OSHA Training

Lion’s full suite of online OSHA safety training can help ensure your team is prepared for new and changing responsibilities. Start, pause, and finish your required safety training at your own pace, when it’s most convenient for you. Each course is packed with engaging, real-word exercises to boost retention and robust resources that you can refer back to when you’re on the job.

10-Hour OSHA General Industry
HAZWOPER Training
Hazard Communication (English or Spanish)
Health and Safety Management
Asbestos Safety (English or Spanish)
Intro to Industrial Hygiene
Intro to Job Hazard Analysis
 
SEE FULL OSHA COURSE CATALOG
 

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, enforcement, osha, OSHA compliance, osha memo, safety hazards, workplace hazards, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.