Piedmont Technical College will begin offering Occupational Safety and Health Administration training regularly to fulfill area businesses’ needs as OSHA regulations tighten.

The South Carolina Department of Labor reported 85 occupational related fatalities in South Carolina and issued 3,280 violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards during 2008. These statistics represent a large need for OSHA training in area industries.

In addition to the reality of the statistics, President Barack Obama’s recent support of strengthening OSHA’s authority will make training even more crucial to company success. “The nature of the hazards has changed, the standards are stricter and it is more important than ever to receive this training,” said Jim Chocklett, Piedmont Technical College industrial maintenance instructor. OSHA has notified 13,500 employers nationwide that their injury report rates are higher than average and that they can expect more inspections in 2010.

OSHA violations affect a company in several ways. Those who receive OSHA violations can experience lengthy down times in order to correct problems, have unsafe working conditions and incur large fines, which are all costly to the company. “Companies must make certain that they are fully compliant, all the way from standards to paperwork,” said Chocklett.

OSHA training conducted at Piedmont Tech can be held at the college or on location. This training is available for all skill levels whether a refresher course is needed or a beginning-level class. For more information about OSHA training, contact Vickie Baldwin at (864) 941-8400.

Photo Caption: OSHA students practice correcting a hazardous waste leak at Piedmont Technical College.