Image

OSHA’s List of Severe Violators Grows by 23 Percent

Aug. 13, 2014
There are 23 percent more worksites in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program than there were last year, according to an article by Jackson Lewis PC in the National Law Review.

There are 23 percent more worksites in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program than there were last year, according to an article by Jackson Lewis PC in the National Law Review.

As of July 1, there were 423 sites in the program, up from 343 last year, the labor and employment law firm reports. 

“The agency actually had added 85 sites, but five were dropped after the companies successfully contested violations that made them eligible for the program,” Jackson Lewis reports.

Launched in 2010, OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program “concentrates resources on inspecting employers who have demonstrated indifference to their OSH Act obligations by willful, repeated or failure-to-abate violations,” in the words of the agency.

As Jackson Lewis explains:

"Employers want no part of SVEP, because OSHA can increase its oversight of their operations by scheduling return inspections to monitor compliance or open new inspections of companies’ other workplaces and seek settlements with additional requirements.

… Once a site gets into the SVEP, it is not easy to leave. One critic described OSHA’s exit criteria as “fairly mythical” and noted that while it takes alleged willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations to get into the SVEP, only a serious violation is needed to keep the site there. Since about 75 percent of all OSHA inspections result in a serious violation, it is unlikely a site will get off the list after three years."

Construction and manufacturing firms and small employers dominate the list of severe violators, Jackson Lewis reports.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!