.png)
When companies have a consistent history of allowing dangerous work environments, there is a possibility the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will place them on the Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
The program was created in 2010 to punish the worst violators of workplace safety regulations. SVEP was created after the Enhanced Enforcement Program, which had difficulty identifying severe violators and carrying out enforcement policies. To be placed on SVEP, companies must commit safety violations that are deemed willful. Willful violations are infractions in which companies are knowingly violating safety policies and jeopardizing worker safety.
Once placed into the program, companies can be found on a public list identifying them as violators. Employers listed in SVEP stay on the list for three years.
Are Any Ohio Companies In The Severe Violator Enforcement Program?
OSHA recently placed an Ohio plastic molding company into SVEP after a worker suffered severe burn injuries during his first day of work. The worker was injured while trying to unclog a plastic molding machine. The work accident caused severe burns to his hands, resulting in the amputation of four fingers. According to OSHA, this is the second major work accident involving the employer. In addition to being put into SVEP, the company faces fines of $171,270.
The injured worker will now live with a disability after his employer violated safety regulations, allowing machinery to operate while it was being serviced. By allegedly not following policies put in place to protect workers, the company has possibly jeopardized his career.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorney