Compliance and workplace safety should never be judged in hindsight. All too often, companies will reach out to us seeking a fire-rated chemical storage locker after an impromptu visit from a clipboard wielding OSHA agent. By the time their foremen see that dreaded yellow hat and orange vest making the rounds at the jobsite, it’s far too late for mercy or a reprieve from this incredulous government agent. With every swipe of the pen, the hearts of supervisors and owners collectively sink. They know they’re about to receive a hefty fine, and it might be an insurmountable blow to their otherwise solvent organization.
OSHA agents are like the highway patrolman of the job-site. They seem to materialize out of nowhere when your company is at its worst. And like an overzealous ‘meter maid,’ they can seem particularly unforgiving when they hand you over a list of citations and fines. With a quick tip of their yellow-brimmed hats, they quickly disappear, quietly lurking in the background, patiently waiting to dispense another round of justice. The only way to safeguard against these surprise visits is preparedness and safety protocol in place to mitigate potential hazards.
Our Innovative Safety Features Can Conform to Everchanging OSHA and EPA Regulations
Emerging technologies and precursor chemicals are streamlining manufacturing and construction. More cost-effective building materials and stronger resins, as well as new synthetics, are forging new ground on the job-site. Companies are completing orders and projects faster than every before, which means they can take on even more clients, further increasing profit margins. In their haste to secure new customers, however, they’ve overlooked the the new dangers and hazards associated with these chemicals and building materials. Some of these materials are inherently dangerous and are more flammable and toxic than their predecessors.
At U.S. Hazmat Storage, our knowledgeable and experienced building advisors spend countless hours researching emerging chemicals and new safety protocols enacted by OSHA, as well as the EPA. By staying abreast of industry trends, they can quickly and deftly issue expert advise and guidance so you can secure the right chemical storage application to prevent unnecessary fines and fees. We’re also staying on top of new technologies, like gauges and warning systems for chemical spills, and constantly researching to see the latest innovations in fire suppression.
OSHA Fees Set to Increase by 500%
The stakes for improper chemical storage have never been higher. As part of the proposed Build Back Better Act, OSHA fines for repeated violations could increase to $50,000 from $9,753 and the maximum to $700,000 from $136,532. The proposed hike comes from the House Education and Labor Committee as an effort to crack down on willful workplace safety violations. Needless to say, the proposed OSHA fines embolden the agency’s enforcement powers. For years, negligent employers have weighed the cons of the relatively paltry fines as a cost of doing business in lieu of safety compliance. To them, biting the bullet and taking the fine are cheaper than investing in safety measures to protect employees. Such an egregious overstep in common decency is unacceptable. How is it that as a society we can value cheap labor fines over human life?
When it comes to avoiding hefty fines and civil penalties, compliance is always the more cost-effective option. For a fraction of what a recurring OSHA fine may cost, your company can invest in compliant steel protection from U.S. Hazmat Storage. We offer a line of fire-rated and non fire-rated chemical storage options with a range of protection depending on setback requirements. By accurately assessing your company’s needs and safety budget, our experienced building engineers can recommend the most cost effective chemical storage option. Such keen insight and astute problem solving will keep your company OSHA compliant while not drastically affecting operating costs.