Regulatory Must: Protect Yourself, Your Team & Your Company from Costly Fines
Ignoring safety regulations doesn’t just put people at risk—it puts your company on the hook for serious fines. Whether you're working with hazardous chemicals or entering confined spaces, being unprepared can cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here’s how to protect your people—and your business—by staying compliant with HAZWOPER and Confined Space safety standards.
Real-World Examples: What Happens When You Skip Safety
Confined Space Tragedy Costs Company $103,000+
In Oklahoma City, a worker entered a tank without checking the air or using safety equipment. Tragically, he didn’t make it out. OSHA fined the company $103,232 for failing to follow basic confined space safety rules.
View case details on OSHA.gov →
Foundry Faces $283K in Fines After Preventable Accident
In California, two workers entered a machine without proper lockout/tagout procedures. One suffered life-altering injuries. The foundry was hit with $283,390 in penalties.
Top OSHA Penalties Often Involve HAZMAT & Confined Spaces
According to OSHA’s public data, many of the largest fines in the U.S. involve hazardous material handling and confined space entry.
What Are the Rules? What Do You Actually Need to Do?
Let’s break it down simply: there are a few key rules and required trainings that protect workers and keep OSHA off your back.
1. Confined Space Safety (29 CFR 1910.146)
If a space is hard to get into, not meant to be occupied, and has air quality or physical hazards, it's probably a permit-required confined space. That means:
- You need to test the air (oxygen, gases, vapors)
- Ventilation may be required
- You must have a trained attendant outside
- You need a written entry permit
Read OSHA’s confined space standard →
2. HAZWOPER Emergency Response (29 CFR 1910.120)
Spills, leaks, or any chemical emergency? That’s where HAZWOPER certification kicks in. If you’re dealing with an uncontrolled release of hazardous substances, OSHA requires:
- A written emergency response plan
- Certified responders (24 to 40-hour training)
- Annual 8-hour refresher training
- Proper PPE and decontamination procedures
View HAZWOPER rules on OSHA.gov →
3. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
Before anyone enters a confined space that contains machinery, you must ensure it’s de-energized. That means:
- Disconnecting power
- Locking switches in the “off” position
- Tagging equipment with clear warnings
Read OSHA’s lockout/tagout guide →
How to Stay Compliant (and Off OSHA’s Radar)
Following these six steps can save lives—and save you from fines that could bankrupt your business:
- Train your team – Get employees HAZWOPER certified and trained in confined space entry
- Use permits – Don’t let anyone enter a confined space without proper documentation
- Lock it out – De-energize machines before entry
- Test the air – Use gas monitors before and during entry
- Practice rescues – Run confined space rescue drills regularly
- Keep records – Document training, permits, and test results
Safety Isn’t Just Smart—It’s Required
Confined space safety and HAZWOPER certification aren’t optional. They’re your legal and moral responsibility. They protect your team from real danger—and your company from six-figure fines and lawsuits.
Train up. Document everything. And when in doubt? Ask a certified safety professional.
Want to Get Certified?
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Don’t wait until after an accident. Get your team trained today.
