What does it mean when an employer fails to correct a previously cited OSHA violation beyond a prescribed date?

When an employer fails to correct a previously cited OSHA violation beyond the prescribed date, it is referred to as abatement failure. Abatement refers to the act of correcting a hazardous situation or violation as mandated by OSHA. If an employer does not meet the deadline for addressing these issues, it can lead to further legal ramifications, penalties, or fines, as the employer is not fulfilling their obligation to maintain a safe working environment. This term specifically highlights the employer’s non-compliance with safety regulations, reflecting their failure to take appropriate corrective actions as initially required by the citation. The distinction of abatement failure is important in workplace safety regulatory frameworks, as it signifies ongoing risks to employee safety.