OSHA Extends Temporary Enforcement Actions in Residential Construction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently reported it will extend for six months its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction.

The measures, extended through Sept. 15, include priority, free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to ensure consistency and increased outreach. Fatalities from falls are the No. 1 cause of workplace death in construction.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) previously had voiced its opposition to OSHA's regulatory directive, believing it will hinder rather than improve workplace safety and make it more difficult for roofing contractors to operate their businesses.

NRCA also had urged OSHA officials to delay enforcement of the directive indefinitely while it works with the roofing industry to resolve roofing contractors' many concerns. To view a Special Report regarding NRCA's opposition to the directive, visit http://tinyurl.com/6qdeoav.

During the past year, OSHA has conducted more than 1,000 outreach sessions across the U.S. to help employers comply with the new directive. OSHA will continue to work with employers to ensure a clear understanding of the new policy and facilitate compliance. [WCx]

A variety of educational and training materials to help employers with compliance can be found at www.osha.gov.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He is an editor and contributor to Workers Compensation Management Program: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.