No one wants to face an unexpected OSHA fine, but many businesses unknowingly put themselves at risk by overlooking critical safety standards. Respiratory protection violations are among the most common, and costly, citations from OSHA. To keep your workplace safe and compliant, it’s important to understand the common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
Through Mobile Health’s occupational health services, including respirator fit testing and online medical evaluations, employers can avoid common OSHA fines related to respirator protection and keep their workforces healthy.
Understanding OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard
OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) outlines the requirements for protecting workers from airborne contaminants. This includes the use of respirators, respirator fit testing, and maintaining a proper Respiratory Protection Program.
Despite these clear guidelines, many organizations still face fines due to non-compliance. The top reasons for these fines often involve inadequate Respiratory Protection Programs, missing medical evaluations, and poor record-keeping.
Common OSHA Fines
Inadequate Respiratory Protection Program
The most frequent and costly OSHA violation is having an inadequate Respiratory Protection Program. A compliant Respiratory Protection Program should be comprehensive, outlining everything from fit testing procedures to respirator maintenance. Unfortunately, many companies either don’t have a written Respiratory Protection Program, or the one they have is incomplete and not compliant with OSHA standards.
A good Respiratory Protection Program is your first line of defense against OSHA fines and ensures worker safety. Mobile Health offers a Commonsense Guide to Respirator Fit Testing that can help you develop a compliant Respiratory Protection Program for your organization.
Skipping the Medical Evaluation
OSHA requires a medical evaluation before fit testing. Skipping this step or failing to document it properly is a common violation. Mobile Health offers online medical evaluations that are quick, accessible, and integrate seamlessly with our Respirator Fit Testing Portal, providing real-time results and eliminating the risk of missing this crucial step in compliance.
Inadequate Record Keeping
Accurate and up-to-date records are essential for OSHA compliance. This includes maintaining fit test records for at least one year and medical evaluations for the duration of employment plus 30 years. Missing or disorganized records can lead to fines for your organization. Mobile Health’s Respirator Fit Testing Portal automates this process, storing all documents in one place to ensure you’re always ready for an OSHA audit.
Modifying Respirators
Respirators must remain in their original state, as any modification can compromise their effectiveness. Altering respirators, even something as simple as adjusting straps, can lead to fines. To avoid this, train employees on proper respirator use and the importance of keeping respirator equipment intact.
Mobile Health’s Respirator Fit Testing Services
At Mobile Health, we understand the requirements of staying compliant with OSHA standards. We offer respirator fit testing services to meet all of your occupational health needs:
- Online Medical Evaluations: Our online medical evaluations are efficient, user-friendly, and provide results in real-time, ensuring your employees are cleared for fit testing without delays.
- Respirator Fit Testing: We offer both qualitative and quantitative respirator fit testing methods.
- Record-Keeping Technology: Our Respirator Fit Testing Portal streamlines all record-keeping, making compliance easier than ever for employers.
Employers can use one, some, or all of our fit testing services. For example, some healthcare organizations choose us solely for online medical evaluations and Respirator Fit Testing Portal. We are here to customize our services to what you need.
Avoid OSHA Fines with Mobile Health
The best way to avoid OSHA fines is to stay ahead of compliance. Mobile Health’s occupational health services and streamlined technology make it easy to protect your workforce and your bottom line. From initial online medical evaluations to comprehensive respirator fit testing and secure record storage, we handle every aspect of your respiratory compliance program. Plus, with the option to come on-site and fit test at a preferred location or send your candidates or employees to our 6,500 locations nationwide, we provide flexibility and convenience for your team.
Don’t let OSHA violations catch you off guard. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your respiratory protection needs and keep your workplace safe and compliant.
