OSHA’s 2019 fiscal year started in October 2018 and ended in September 2019 and their year-end reports are finally being shared. The administration recently announced their total inspection numbers and the results of their compliance assistance program.
According to a recent press release, the Federal branch of OSHA completed 33,401 inspections in FY2019. That’s an increase of roughly 4% over FY2018, in which OSHA conducted 32,023 inspections.
In April of this year, the Secretary of Labor, R. Alexander Acosta, fully expected these inspection numbers to increase, citing the fact that they hired 76 Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHO) in 2018 and planned to hire an additional 26 CSHOs in 2019.
For a more detailed explanation of how those inspections turned out, you can check out our list of the 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Violations in 2019.
In addition to the increase in inspections, OSHA also announced record compliance assistance during the fiscal year. Through OSHA’s various education programs, like their Outreach Training Program, OSHA Training Institute, Education Centers, and the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, they reached a whopping 1,392,611 workers.
The administration also performed many On-Site consultations for employers at no cost. During those consultations, 137,885 workplace hazards were identified, affecting an estimated 3.2 million workers.
“OSHA’s efforts – rulemaking, enforcement, compliance assistance and training – are tools to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “I am proud of the diligent, hard work of all OSHA personnel who contributed to a memorable year of protecting our nation’s workers.”
Do you think an increase in OSHA inspections is a good thing for the construction industry? Tell us why or why not in the comments!
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.