A Summary of the OHSA Report, Essay Example

Abstract

This paper provides a summary of the OHSA report on the citation that the Republic Steel received because of its violation of the work safe policy that the government imposed. The various violations committed by the company are itemized in this paper as well as the possible solutions that can be implemented in order to ensure that regulations are followed and the effort to provide a safe working environment to the employees is guaranteed.

Just recently, the Republic Steel, an Ohio-based manufacturer of steel, was fined a total amount of $162,400 for exposing its workforce to various work hazards.  Despite the effort of the company to properly train its employees and to make improvements to their working conditions, the employees reported that they are still being exposed to hazardous chemicals and serious fall. This situation has happened before when the same company opted for a corporate settlement in 2014 between its employees and pledged that the health violations and workplace hazards will be addressed properly.

Body

However, the company as of August 10, 2015 is found to be in violation of the following (“Ohio Steel Company”, 2015):

• Workers’ exposure to 20 feet fall while removing debris and slags in the billet caster;
• Lack of proper marking of lifting devices with the weight capacity per load;
• Workers’ exposure to the hazards of molten metals;
• Lack of emergency eyewash stations;
• Lack of necessary protective equipment against hydrochloric acid splash and;
• Failure to comply with the respiratory protection standards.

It cannot be denied that these violations can be easily addressed. It is the sole responsibility of the company to make sure that its workers are protected from any workplace hazards.

Conclusion

In this regard, it is important that the company conduct a seminar focused on the necessity of wearing protective equipment when dealing with chemicals. It is not enough that the company provides for the protective equipment, education is the key to make sure that the workers are protected and at the same time shielding the company from any lawsuit arising from it (Goetsch, 2013). The company has to brush up with the current work safe policies and rules in order to meet the standards set forth by the industry and the government. In addition, the company has to make sure that all their equipment is properly labeled with weight capacity and warning to ensure the safety of the employees among others.

References

Goetsch, D. (2013). Basics of Occupational Safety (2^nd ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Ohio Steel Company Fined $162k for Workplace Hazards (2015, August 10). Insurance Journal. Retrieved from http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2015/08/10/378034.htm.