Avoid trouble with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by never doing any of the following things after a worksite injury occurs, warns Mary (Penny) B. Nicholls, RN, CCM, COHN-S, a disability consultant with Alabama Power Company in Birmingham and a member of the advisory board for the Deep South Center for Occupational Health & Safety at the University of Alabama at Birmingham:
Never do these things after a worksite injury
January 1, 2010
Never do these things after a worksite injury
Avoid trouble with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by never doing any of the following things after a worksite injury occurs, warns Mary (Penny) B. Nicholls, RN, CCM, COHN-S, a disability consultant with Alabama Power Company in Birmingham and a member of the advisory board for the Deep South Center for Occupational Health & Safety at the University of Alabama at Birmingham:
- Taking any steps that would contaminate the accident site, such as removal of machinery or equipment, especially if a fatality has occurred.
- Instructing employees not to discuss the event with OSHA inspectors. "This is not allowed by law. Do not threaten to punish an employee for speaking with OSHA inspectors," says Nicholls. "This is a protected right."
- Falsifying documents at any time during the investigation, including witness statements.