OSHA Compliance And Commercial Fencing: Avoiding Six Figure Penalties

OSHA Compliance and Commercial Fencing: Avoiding Six-Figure Penalties in Georgia

OSHA, also known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is an organization working towards making working conditions safer for American contractors, manufacturers, agriculturists, and other industry workers. OSHA compliance must be enforced for commercial fencing contractors in order to avoid work-related injuries and fines.

Why OSHA Compliance Is A Major Risk For Georgia Businesses

OSHA enforcement continues to expand in Georgia. There are several risks that contractors must take while working in Georgia, which is why OSHA implements thorough rules and regulations that must be followed. If any of Georgia OSHA's regulations are not met, there's a chance that you'll be fined or hurt on the job. Safety violations related to access control and perimeter security are costly and common.

Some of these violations might be failure to define boundaries at a construction site, or a lack of physical guards on machinery that poses a risk of injury. Penalties for access control and perimeter security violations will range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars if the offense is repeated or willfully done by the employees.

Understanding Georgia OSHA Regulations For Commercial Properties

Georgia OSHA standards apply to commercial sites, including spaces like construction zones, warehouses, industrial facilities, and public-facing properties. Some of the most common regulations for these sites include basic regulations like ensuring accessible parking, maintaining sound building structures, and ensuring safe exits. There are also more serious OSHA fencing regulations, including state-specific rules that Georgia enforces.

OSHA Fence Requirements And When They Apply

OSHA Georgia has several requirements in place for commercial fencing, including height, material, security, signage, and more. For general construction site fencing, the height of the fence must be at least 6 feet for commercial properties. There must be a distinguishable, unlocked opening during work hours for emergency exits. For unprotected edges that are 6 feet or more above lower levels, there must be guardrails or warning lines in place.

Several local OSHA fence requirements depend on the exact city and county you are working in, and those will need to be checked before work begins. Georgia OSHA regulations will include things related to fall hazards, restricted access areas, machinery zones, and construction perimeters.

How Inadequate Fencing Leads To OSHA Violations And Liability

Improper or missing fencing will increase the likelihood of employee injuries, public access risks, inspections, citations, and six-figure penalties. For example, if there is a fence over 6 feet high without a guardrail or warning line tied off with rope, wire, or tape, there is a chance that an employee or someone wandering along the site will fall off and hurt themselves, if not worse.

These OSHA compliance mistakes won't result in a write-up and a conversation. You risk losing your life, or someone else's, every time you ignore the OSHA regulations put in place to keep everyone safe. Inadequate fencing will lead to errors in judgment and more injuries than you'd expect. Keep your employees and your neighborhood safe by sticking to the Georgia OSHA regulations.

Commercial Fencing As A Risk Management Tool

Properly designed and installed commercial fencing supports OSHA compliance, keeping employees and pedestrians safe. By following the rules put in place by Georgia OSHA, you reduce the risk of exposure and demonstrate good faith in the safety efforts OSHA tries to enforce. By following the simple safety tips Georgia OSHA requests, you'll keep your team of construction workers safe each day.

Why Georgia Businesses Trust First Fence Of Georgia

First Fence of Georgia is a knowledgeable residential and commercial fencing provider that understands Georgia OSHA considerations, upholds installation standards, and meets long-term compliance needs. Choose First Fence of Georgia for your next fencing project.