July 1
Interpretation: OSHA Can Cite the General Duty Clause for Electrical Hazards and Recommend NFPA 70E for Abatement
This interpretation makes it clear that OSHA can cite electrical hazards which are “recognized” under the “General Duty Clause”. This interpretation also clarifies the responsibilities of the “controlling employer”. This is one of the first mentions of NFPA 70E by OSHA and we are seeing the results of the citations today.
OSHA states in the interpretation, “Industry consensus standards, such as NFPA 70E, can be used by employers as guides to making the assessments and equipment selections required by the standard. Similarly, in OSHA enforcement actions, they can be used as evidence of whether the employer acted reasonably.”