A recently issued press release from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reiterates the importance of workplace safety and the consequences of failing to address persistent hazards. On November 15, OSHA announced that Frazer & Jones LLC, an iron foundry based in Syracuse, New York, is facing nearly $1 million in penalties for a series of safety violations.
This announcement is the latest in a troubling history for Frazer & Jones, a company with over 150 years of operation. Despite a prior settlement agreement in 2021 to address violations dating back to 2019, OSHA inspectors found that the company failed to implement and maintain critical safety measures.
In its most recent inspection, OSHA cited Frazer & Jones for 27 violations, including four willful and 13 repeat violations, for exposing employees to numerous hazards. These included:
- Fire and explosion risks due to uncapped natural gas vent lines during industrial furnace maintenance.
- Thermal and chemical burns from unsafe procedures, including lighting burners with a natural gas torch and using hazardous chemicals without proper safety measures.
- Falls due to unguarded walking and working surfaces.
- Asphyxiation risks in confined spaces where proper safety precautions were not taken.
- Caught-in and struck-by hazards from machinery and lifting devices that were not properly maintained or locked out during maintenance.
- Overexposure to respirable crystalline silica without adequate engineering controls or respiratory protection.
These violations, many of which were repeat offenses from previous inspections, show the company’s failure to learn from past mistakes and take proactive measures to protect its workers. OSHA noted that Frazer & Jones’ history of exposing employees to these serious hazards must end, emphasizing the importance of accountability and proper safety protocols.
Why Third-Party Audits Are Crucial
Many companies conduct internal safety audits, often believing that their internal teams have a comprehensive understanding of the facility’s operations. However, internal audits can be influenced by familiarity bias or may lack the necessary expertise to uncover systemic weaknesses. For example, an internal auditor might overlook the potential for fire or explosion risks simply because they’ve been operating in the same conditions for years without incident.
A third-party audit, conducted by experienced professionals with expertise across various industries and environments, offers a fresh and objective perspective. These auditors bring industry knowledge, best practices, and a more comprehensive view of compliance and safety standards. They are also trained to identify risks that may have been previously unnoticed or downplayed by internal teams.
Objectivity and Audit Expertise
Third-party auditors provide a level of objectivity that internal teams simply cannot. They are not influenced by the day-to-day pressures or operational habits that internal staff may experience. With a broad client base and the ability to compare practices across multiple industries, third-party auditors can identify issues that may be unique to the company’s operations but are part of a larger pattern across the industry. This broader perspective helps uncover hidden risks and inefficiencies that can lead to penalties, accidents, and worse.
Moreover, third-party auditors have the expertise to conduct thorough evaluations in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. They are also well-versed in industry-specific safety requirements, making their findings invaluable in mitigating potential threats before they escalate into significant issues.
The ROI of Third-Party Audits
One of the primary concerns businesses express about third-party audits is the perceived cost and effort involved. However, the potential return on investment (ROI) from addressing safety hazards early can far outweigh the costs of penalties, legal fees, or even worker compensation claims. By identifying safety gaps and non-conformances early, companies can take corrective action before they face hefty fines or, worse, employee injuries.
In the case of Frazer & Jones, the penalties could have been avoided if the company had more thoroughly addressed safety concerns raised in previous audits and settlements. The cost of independent audits, when integrated into a comprehensive safety strategy, is often a fraction of the financial and reputational damage caused by regulatory violations and accidents.
A Hybrid Approach to Auditing
To maximize the benefits of third-party audits while addressing concerns about costs, organizations can adopt a hybrid approach. This may include alternating internal audits with third-party audits or fielding mixed audit teams that incorporate both company staff and independent auditors. Such an approach allows companies to leverage internal knowledge while benefiting from the expertise and objectivity that external auditors bring.
By conducting periodic third-party audits, companies can ensure that they are staying ahead of evolving safety standards, identifying risks that may have been missed, and continually improving their safety programs. These audits can also help businesses stay compliant with regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties like those faced by Frazer & Jones.
The Frazer & Jones case is a reminder that internal audits, while valuable, may not always be enough to protect a company from significant safety violations and penalties. Independent third-party audits provide the objectivity, expertise, and fresh perspective needed to identify and correct potential hazards before they become costly problems. Investing in third-party auditing services can help ensure the safety of workers, prevent compliance issues, and ultimately improve a company’s bottom line.
At IFO Group, we specialize in providing independent auditing services across a range of topics, from corporate management systems to process safety management compliance. If you’re looking to protect your organization from potential safety risks and regulatory violations, reach out to us at info@ifogroup.com or call +1-832-403-2135 to learn more about how we can help you ensure a safer, more compliant workplace.
