ADA Compliance in a Manufacturing Facility
When it comes to manufacturing facilities, quality control, and adaptive design are paramount. Take SC FABRICA DE BUCȘE SRL of Baicoi, Romania, as an example. With their commitment to international standards and rigorous testing of their production methods, the company is a European leader in the field of mechanical operations and machining. But in order to maintain satisfied customers, they must also uphold other standards with unwavering commitment-the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act, that is.
ADA Compliance in a Manufacturing Facility
Employers should never overlook the importance of having an ADA-compliant manufacturing facility. Before gaining employment, workers with disabilities must already be able to access the workplace, or else your job offer could be considered discriminatory. The legal standards for businesses require that an employer purchase or rent equipment for an individual with a specific disability if there is no way for the said worker to carry out the tasks of the job without it. Grab bars may be necessary for individuals whose disabilities would otherwise hinder their ability to access the workplace. Grab bars must be:
- Outside latrines, restrooms, locker / shower rooms, and other similar facilities to stabilize themselves while changing clothes,
- Beside bath tubs and shower stalls, to help them get in and out,
- Adjacent to toilet stalls for stability when using the restroom.
Do You Need Grab Bars in Your Manufacturing Facility?
As we can see, comprehensive ADA vertical grab bar requirements are vital to ensure that all of your workers can navigate production operations with ease. In the following list, we’ll elaborate on this idea by showcasing the facts relating to six different company manufacturing operations that require grab bars.
How to Ensure Yourself Against ADA Compliance Lawsuits
While many companies today are diligent about ensuring their operations meet ADA standards, unfortunately, not all are, which brings us to the subject of litigation. The following process can help you reduce liability in the case of a lawsuit on the premises of a manufacturing facility not complying with all applicable ADA standards:
- Hire an Accessibility Consultant
- Update Manual
- Install Grab Bars
- Train Employees about ADA Standards
- Update Employment Documents
- Get a Lawyer
- Perform Regular Inspections
What are the Legal Implications if You Don’t?
If an employee with disabilities comes to you claiming that they need grab bars or other forms of adaptive structures to help them navigate your ADA-compliant facility, and you refuse to comply, you’re guilty of disability discrimination. If the worker files a complaint, the state or federal government will launch an investigation within 60 days. The Department of Justice may then take over the investigation, and after reviewing the evidence, if a settlement can’t be reached, they may request that the Department of Education negotiate an agreement. If an arrangement still can’t be reached, the worker may take legal action, filing a lawsuit to seek compensation. Different states have different statutes of limitations, but generally speaking, there’s a 180-day waiting period.
How to Avoid Noncompliance in Manufacturing Operations
Compliance with ada vertical grab bar requirements is key to maintaining the safety and health of all your employees-with this in mind, here are some strategies for achieving successful compliance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act:
- Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Testing: Functional Capacity Evaluation testing can be used to determine whether or not a worker can perform their role in a factory.
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists are specially trained to help workers overcome obstacles and facilitate success in their work.
- Job Observation: Surveillance can assist in answering important questions regarding worker performance and proper accommodation.
At the end of the day, the ADA is good for your business and its employees. Direct access to the worksite maintains proper workspace ergonomics, and when workers can easily grab items, pull levers, and use fixtures, you can avoid a number of disasters. Compliance can also help prevent damage from natural disasters, acts of war, and human error. All these points being made, the costs of noncompliance are steep enough, both legally and financially, that this is not something you want to mess with. Avoid conflicts by learning everything there is to know about ADA compliance in manufacturing operations.
