Got a citation? Decide whether to appeal it
Got a citation? Decide whether to appeal it
You can bring a lot to the table if your company receives a citation from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), says Colleen Hasler, MS, RN, COHN-S, a risk manager at M3, a Madison, WI-based company specializing in health, safety and environmental risks.
After the closing conference that is held after an inspection, your local OSHA area director will review the information and issue citations accordingly. The employer has 15 business days after receipt to either pay the citations, schedule an informal settlement conference, or appeal.
In this situation, "employers most often schedule an informal conference," says Hasler. During that meeting, documentation of abated hazards are submitted. The penalty may be reduced in severity, or eliminated altogether.
"If the employer feels the citations and fines are unwarranted, they should appeal all citations. This would require obtaining legal consult," says Hasler.
Hasler recommends working with an industrial hygienist and a professional engineer during this process, as well as an attorney who specializes in handling OSHA citations and the appeal process.
Hasler also advises obtaining legal advice with any complicated inspection, such as one involving a fatality, a process safety management (PSM) involving hazardous chemicals, or any situation that is high profile in the media.
"The appeal process provides an opportunity to expand your exposure in dealing with legal counsel," says Hasler.
You can bring a lot to the table if your company receives a citation from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), says Colleen Hasler, MS, RN, COHN-S, a risk manager at M3, a Madison, WI-based company specializing in health, safety and environmental risks.Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.