When OSHA Comes Knocking: How We Saved a Client $33,000
Due to the “negative connotation” associated with OSHA, contractors are wary when an OSHA inspector show up at their jobsite. But when it happens, having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.
A regional lumber company recently found themselves facing 10 OSHA violations and $43,000 in proposed fines. The kind of citation that keeps business owners up at night.
Here's what happened.
The Challenge
OSHA doesn't issue citations lightly. When violations are classified as "serious," it means the agency believes there's substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result. This company was looking at 10 of them.
The financial hit was over $40,000. But there were also reputational concerns, potential insurance implications, and the very real need to address legitimate safety issues.
The Approach
Rather than simply accepting the citations and writing a check, the company brought us in. We dove deep into each violation, examining:
The specific OSHA standards being cited
Whether the violations were accurately classified
The actual conditions on the jobsite
Documentation and evidence that could support their case
This wasn't about making excuses. It was about ensuring the citations were fair, accurate, and appropriately classified.
The Results
Through careful analysis and aggressive advocacy, we achieved:
7 out of 10 violations completely deleted
3 violations reclassified as less serious
Total fines reduced from $43,000 to approximately $10,000
A safer workplace for the company's team
That's $33,000 that stayed in the business instead of going to penalties.
What Made the Difference
According to the company's operations manager, two things stood out:
Tenacity. When you're dealing with OSHA, you need someone who won't back down from fighting for your interests. Someone who knows when to push back and has the expertise to do it effectively.
Deep Knowledge. OSHA regulations are incredibly detailed and complex. Understanding how they apply to specific situations and how to properly document your case requires serious expertise.
Why This Matters
Getting violations deleted or reclassified affects more than just your immediate costs. It impacts:
Your experience modification rate, which directly affects your workers' comp premiums
Your safety record when bidding on jobs
Your reputation with clients and partners
Your actual workplace safety by focusing on real issues rather than technicalities
What Most Companies Don't Realize
OSHA citations can be negotiated and challenged. Many companies simply pay the fine and move on, assuming they have no other option.
But when OSHA shows up, having someone who knows the regulations as well as the inspectors do, has experience successfully defending citations, and is actively involved with your day-to-day operations can make a massive difference.
Most safety consultants aren't on your jobsite regularly. Most insurance brokers never see your operations firsthand. But when we actually know your business (because we're there with your team) we can defend you when it matters most.
We know your procedures. We understand your challenges. We've seen your safety culture in action. When OSHA comes calling, that firsthand knowledge becomes your strongest defense.
Final Thoughts
Nobody plans for OSHA citations. But how you handle them can have a major impact on your business.
We don't just help you respond to citations. We help you prevent them in the first place through proactive safety management. And if you do face violations, we know how to fight for you.
As the operations manager put it: "Can't think of two individuals working in tandem any better. Two words: as advertised."