OSHA Targets Oil and Gas Industry for SVEP "Blacklist"

May 5, 2015

Blog Post

Recently, OSHA’s Director of Enforcement, Thomas Galassi, authored a memorandum authorizing the addition of upstream oil and gas hazard to the list of High-Emphasis Hazards in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).

SVEP is OSHA’s “blacklist” of frequent violators that no employer wants to be placed upon. SVEP listing results in:

More frequent visits
Higher fines and penalties

Moreover, being removed from the list is very difficult and takes several years.

The memorandum clarified that companies with non-fatality inspections in which OSHA finds two or more willful or repeated violations or failure-to-abate notices will now be considered a severe violator enforcement case. This new policy was effective as of February 11, 2015.

Is your company prepared for their next OSHA visit?

Public corporations, such as JetBlue Airways Corp. and Molson Coors Beverage Company, are citing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives as a “risk” factor in their 10-K filings. The growing DEI pushback is a good reminder for employers that fairness and equality, regardless of protected characteristics, and based upon bona-fide qualifications, is a good compass by which to make employment-related decisions.

The New Year comes with new challenges as the labor and employment landscape continues to evolve. From the advancement of AI to labor negotiations to protecting your business assets, employers must gear up and be ready for whatever lies ahead, and McDonald Hopkins is here to help.

OSHA Targets Oil and Gas Industry for SVEP "Blacklist"

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