Going from Complacent to Compliant and a Fresh Look at Regulatory Requirements

Nowadays, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Recent months have seen a significant increase in enforcement activities by leading agencies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

These agencies are working together to tighten the grip on regulatory compliance, as evidenced by PHMSA issuing a staggering $16 million worth of warning letters in February 2024 alone. This trend underscores the importance of a proactive approach to regulatory compliance.

Don't Get Caught Off Guard

Moving from complacent to compliance requires a proactive and holistic approach. Here are some key areas to consider:

• Recordkeeping |?Scrutinize your recordkeeping practices. Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and readily accessible for inspection.
• Deadline Tracking |?Implement a robust system for tracking critical deadlines for reporting, training, and permit renewals. Missing a deadline can lead to hefty fines.
• Training Refresh |?Review and update your employee training programs regularly. Outdated training can leave your organization vulnerable to non-compliance. But training is only the beginning. Take time to build and nurture relationships with the folks you're training, ensuring they understood the training topic(s). Make sure you're training with a purpose and not via death by PowerPoint!
• Stakeholder Awareness |?Build and maintain a culture of compliance by keeping all stakeholders, from top management to frontline workers, informed about your compliance program's status and priorities.

Working Together for Success

By taking these steps and looking at things with fresh eyes, you can demonstrate a commitment to regulatory compliance, minimizing the risk of hefty fines and potential operational disruptions. Remember, a strong compliance program protects not only your business but also your employees and the environment.

For further guidance and industry-specific resources, we recommend visiting the official websites of PHMSA, USEPA, and OSHA or subscribing to Premier Safety Resources free newsletter for industry insights!

Looking for fresh eyes and unbiased audits of your compliance programs? Contact PSR to schedule a free consult. We're here to help!