New Jersey dealerships know the importance of an injury-free workforce and do a lot to ensure employee safety. A fully present and functional workforce delivers improved customer service, increases productivity, and significantly reduces costly waste and expense. Getting employees to follow safety policies is challenging, and the enforcement and compliance burden, unfortunately, lies mainly with the employer. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently increased the frequency of its inspections. OSHA continues to increase the maximum penalties for major and minor compliance violations (ranging from $15,000 per violation to $150,000 plus for willful/repeated violations). Dealerships assessing workplace risks and specific job hazards can better manage many common OSHA regulation pitfalls. Each year, OSHA releases a list of violations cited most frequently during the previous inspection year. The most common violations that apply to dealerships provide a practical starting point for managers working to meet annual compliance requirements: Hazardous Communications The Hazardous Communications standard applies to employees who use or encounter hazardous chemicals. Employers must have a written hazardous communications plan and share it with employees. Training must occur upon hire, when introducing a new chemical, or when employees are not using chemicals safely. Employers must document all training, keep an up-to-date list of hazardous chemicals, and provide updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Respiratory Protection The Respiratory Protection standard references using ventilation and respirators to control occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with “harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors.” Employers must have a written respiratory protection program wherever these dangers are known to contaminate the air. Training must be completed annually, upon a new hire, or whenever a new exposure requires changes. NJ Dealerships Top OSHA Compliance Pitfalls BY CHARLES RUSSO, NJ CAR DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE 16 new jersey auto retailer
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