BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS AND TAX SAVINGS

ADA & OSHA GUIDELINES

OSHA specifies slip resistance of 0.50 or higher for the workplace. It is always possible that an OSHA inspector may cite this guideline under the "General Duty Clause," and enforce penalties up to $50,000 for the first offense and $100,000 for the second offense.

"A research project sponsored by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) conducted tests with persons with disabilities and concluded that a higher coefficient of friction was needed by such persons. A static coefficient of friction of 0.6 is recommended for accessible routes and 0.8 for ramps."
ADA.GOV 28 CFR Ch. I (7-1-94 Edition) Pt. 36, App. A, A4.5 Ground & Floor Surfaces, A4.5.1 General

 

OSHA ENFORCEMENT IS HEATING UP

"President Obama's fiscal year 2010 budget request builds on the renewed commitment to OSHA enforcement. It proposes an increase of $50.6 million for the agency, allowing them to hire more than 200 NEW EMPLOYEES - including 160 more inspectiors."......

...."Just because operations are slower, it doesn't mean hazards have gone away or been reduced. Safety is needed just as much and will impact the bottom-line just as much. In fact, many companies are stretching resources by putting workers in unfamiliar jobs which actually increases risk"
J.J. Keller & Associates - Safety News; June 30th, 2009

ADA TAX SAVINGS

Businesses may be eligible for $5,000 of tax benefits for compliance to ADA recommendations. Consult your CPA or read about it on the ADA.gov website.