OSHA has updated its penalty structure with small businesses in mind. We want to ensure OSHA penalties appropriately take into account an employer's size, its efforts to quickly abate hazards, and its OSHA history. For many of these employers, having the right tools can make all the difference, not only in achieving compliance but also in creating safer and healthier workplaces for everyone.

That's why we've adjusted our penalty structure to make it easier for employers, including small businesses, to invest resources in finding and fixing hazards, as well as enhancing their safety and health programs. See our new release for more information.

These changes are designed to help employers address safety issues more quickly, come into compliance faster, and minimize financial burdens. As part of our broader effort to support safe, healthy workplaces, we want to meet employers where they are and put resources where they matter most to better protect workers.

We renewed our National Emphasis Program that focuses on preventing amputations in manufacturing workplaces. Under the updated program, which will be in place for five years, OSHA will conduct inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with safety practices while operating, servicing, or maintaining machines. This includes controlling dangerous energy sources and making sure machines are properly guarded to prevent amputations.

OSHA uses its National Emphasis Programs to temporarily focus agency resources on particular hazards and high-hazard industries. Existing and potential new emphasis programs are evaluated using inspection data, injury and illness data, peer-reviewed literature, analysis of inspection findings, and other available information sources.

Working together, we can prevent serious injuries and protect the health and safety of America's manufacturing workers.

We hope you will join us by registering today to take part in Safe + Sound Week, August 11-17. Join businesses across the country who are committed to keeping workers safe through effective safety and health programs. Find resources and activities for businesses on emergency preparedness and response that can be done at work or at home on the Plan & Promote Your Participation webpage.

July 30 is National Whistleblower Day. You have the right to speak up about safety and health concerns at work without fear of retaliation. OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of more than 20 whistleblower statutes. These statutes are meant to protect workers if an adverse action is taken against them for engaging in activities protected by OSHA's whistleblower laws. Contact OSHA if you believe you have been retaliated against for these or related actions.

When it comes to helping build safer workplaces, OSHA's focus is on meeting employers where they are. Our On-Site Consultation Program, primarily for smaller businesses, offers no-cost, confidential services to help employers identify and address hazards. Consultants meet with employers to identify areas for improvement, suggest options for solving any problems found, provide assistance if needed, and help them develop a safety and health program that is unique to their worksite. Reach out to OSHA to learn how we can help you take the next step in your workplace safety and health journey.

OSHA and Moss & Associates LLC have formed a Strategic Partnership to ensure the safety of workers during the construction of a 10-story mixed-use building in downtown Tampa, Florida. OSHA will provide safety training and technical assistance. At the same time, workers will establish an employee Safety Committee that will meet monthly to share the results of jobsite inspections, suggestions for improvement and recommendations for training. Near-misses and daily safety audits will be discussed during toolbox talks.

❓ Recently, a worker in Louisiana was shown elevated in a bucket truck making repairs to a stoplight when an 18-wheeler attempted to turn, struck the lift, and caused it to overturn. The worker was left dangling in the air, saved by his safety harness. What safety lessons can we take from this incident? ?

🗣 Always wear fall protection. In this case, the worker's safety harness likely saved his life. Secure the work zone. Even if traffic isn't fully stopped, high-visibility signs, cones and lane closures can help keep vehicles at a safe distance.

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