According to internal agency records, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued more than 58,700 violations in 2016. Over the last six years, the total number of violations has decreased.
Fine amounts, on the other hand, have increased dramatically over the same time period. Serious violators now face fines of $12,675 per safety infraction, while willful or repeat offenders – who made up more than 6% of all violators in 2016 – face fines of $126,749 per violation. In other words, while many companies are upgrading their health and safety practices and investing more money in compliance, they are likely to face severe consequences for even minor errors.
How can firms avoid paying hefty fines? The use of EHS software is a viable option. Companies across a wide range of industries have recognized the benefits of this software and are allocating significant resources to EHS deployment. According to Verdantix, a market research and consultancy group, the global market for EHS platforms exceeded $932 million last year. They also predict that over the next three years, the segment will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 11%, eventually reaching $1.4 billion.
This data shows that adoption of modern EHS software increases each year  and its positive effects on workplace safety and compliance are widespread. Here are some examples of how EHS solutions improve safety programs, which is a serious concern for modern businesses of all sizes:
Increasing visibility with EHS Software
According to Manufacturing Business Technology, EHS Software enables operational stakeholders and those involved in shop floor processes to simply record and track data related to hazards, incidents, and inspections using simple online tools. This functionality simplifies recordkeeping, allowing for more accurate reporting and setting the framework for effective, data-driven workplace safety policies.
Improving Accountability with EHS Software
Businesses may establish cultures of accountability with more precise hazard and incident analytics, making it easier to manage compliance, according to EHS Today. How? Workplace safety personnel can easily access data from centralized portals associated with specific areas of the operation, giving them the authority to administer corrective actions and address individuals or groups that need to do more to facilitate safe work environments and promote good behaviors.
Improving efficiency
Organizations that employ out-of-date EHS recordkeeping systems frequently struggle to achieve OSHA compliance, as the work of reporting events or hazards becomes unduly cumbersome and damaging to productivity and, ultimately, the bottom line. Large fines, of course, have a big fiscal impact. For example, according to Safety News Alert, one car parts manufacturer racked up 57 distinct violations last year and was fined $3.4 million. EHS software assists businesses in avoiding such situations by allowing them to easily track shop floor events and hazards, allowing them to promptly resolve them and achieve compliance.
Finally, EHS software provides too many benefits to ignore – especially in today’s regulatory climate, where a single blunder can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Enterprises that are ready to embark on the EHS Software implementation journey should contact CloudApper Safety right away. Our cutting-edge EHS Software assists prominent industrial companies in maintaining safe working conditions and avoiding OSHA fines. To learn more, please contact us.
