Boating Industry

October 2016

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www.BoatingIndustry.com 56 | Boating Industry | October 2016 BY BRIANNA LIESTMAN I n November 2015, Congress enacted legislation requir- ing federal agencies to adjust their civil penalties to ac- count for inflation. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased its penalties based on the Consumer Price Index, which became effective as of August 1. OSHA's maximum penalties, which were last adjusted in 1990, have increased by 78 percent. The previous maximum penalty for a serious violation, other-than-serious violation, posting requirements violation or failure to abate was $7,000 per violation; the new penalty will be $12,471. For a willful or repeated violation, the maximum penalty will increase from $70,000 per violation to $124,709 per violation. Violations after Nov. 2, 2015, will be subject to the new penalties. INCREASING OSHA FINES SIGNAL NEED FOR COMPLIANCE IN MARINE INDUSTRY How marine businesses can prepare OSHA fines can cripple a marine business, and with the new increase in penalties it is more important than ever to be sure your business is as compliant as possible. Some companies have taken the initiative to hire a company to help improve their compliance, which has been easier than undertaking the process alone. Jon Kukuk, owner of Nestegg Marine, worked on getting his marina up to OSHA stan- dards on his own for two years. While he made a lot of progress and was lauded by others for his achieve- ments, he ultimately was able to complete the process by working with KPA, a company that is partnering with the Marine Re- tailers Association of the Americas to provide dealers a range of compliance support. KPA is well known as a dealer-focused or- ganization, offering services for the auto indus- try, and they are the preferred provider for the RV Dealers Association. "It was really a response to what our mem- bers were asking for. … If our members have a need, we do our best to go find the solution for While most businesses are aware of the need for an annual fire extinguisher inspection, Kukuk said companies are required to conduct monthly inspections and initial the back of the extinguisher tag per OSHA regulations. 78% » increase in OSHA maximum penalties

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