Question

MAN4402

Journal Assignment

Answer the below questions in a manner which clearly demonstrates you understand the topics. For full credit, ensure your answers are detailed, complete, and answers all aspects of the question.

1.) Does OSHA do enough to protect the safety of workers? Does it over-regulate? Should the trend toward relying on voluntary compliance by employers be continued?  

Answer 1

The OSHA regulations cover violations ranging from those which are serious, deliberate and repeated to minor ones, and also provide for notices to businesses in taking suitable remedial measures. OSHA has also issued safety standards covering all the major hazardous industries and situations. Studies have shown that OSHA's random safety inspections have led to a significant reduction in injuries and the resulting costs, without any corresponding negative impact on organizational costs. Further publishing of violations in the media have signifantly contributed to increasing compliance among employers. However, in many cases of fatalities due to deliberate or repeated violations, OSHA has been unable to criminally prosecute. Thus while OSHA has been making steady progress in ensuring the safety of the workforce, it should work towards acquiring more powers to prosecute.

The penalties under OSHA are relatively mild compared to those imposed by other federal agencies. Also in many cases of conscious violations by employers, there have been no prosecutions due to interference by vested interests and the collusion of the bureaucracy with businesses. The time taken to develop new regulations has also been longer and besides there are hazards and standards not yet covered by OSHA. Hence, one can safely conclude that OSHA does not over-regulate.

The cooperative approach of OSHA has helped in assisting and training businesses to align with its objectives. This is especially beneficial for small and medium businesses. Further, recognition is given to employers and employees who have effectively implemented health and safety guidelines. This creates a spirit of cooperation between the staff and the management and an understanding of the spirit behind the regulations. Also, considering the size and clout of OSHA it cannot practically enforce compliance by sheer enforcement. Hence, it is voluntary compliance that would create a long-lasting and permanent solution for workplace safety, rather than enforced regulation and the fear of penalties.