If you work in an industry where some or all the work happens in the field – such as a construction site, law enforcement, agriculture, or factory facility – you have likely been made aware of your local workplace safety regulations. One of these regulations includes OSHA Compliance.
Established in 1970, OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration exists as a federal agency aiming to ensure safe and healthy working conditions, focusing on enforcing, research, and education of safety standards. OSHA Standards are continuously verified by compliance officers through inspections, investigations, and audits where violations can be steep.
The Purpose of OSHA
OSHA stands to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries from equipment, and illnesses from chemicals by providing training on how employers and employees should respond in the case of a dangerous situation. OSHA has seven sectors—agriculture, construction, federal agencies, healthcare, maritime, oil and gas, and warehouse—each with its own specific regulations for workplace safety and recordkeeping. OSHA is required to review accident reports and data to improve and refine its recommended safety practices.
How To Stay Compliant
OSHA designs extensive resources provided to employers to help stay compliant, but it’s important to understand how this impacts their operations. The “ideal” OSHA-compliant business offers regular employee training, identifies, and addresses any potential workplace hazards early, retain and updates records of incidents and safety precautions, and writes and reviews safety policies.
Creating a safe workplace is the bare minimum that an organization can provide its people, which is more important than avoiding fines and penalties.
Compliance Checklist for Your Business
As you build and refine your OSHA compliance strategy, consider the following recommendations:
General working environment
The foundation for a compliant organization is a clean and sanitary working environment. This means requiring employees to wash their hands and hazardous materials are cleaned and disposed of in a timely manner. It also refers to what can’t be directly seen including properly ventilated, well lit, temperature controlled and working accommodations-like ergonomic equipment to reduce unnecessary strain.
Requirements for maintaining records, posting notices, and reporting incidents.
OSHA has strict requirements for recordings of compliant behavior and accessibility to the law’s requirements, including displaying job safety and health information and warning signs of potentially dangerous materials or situations in areas with high employee visibility, like break rooms.
This could be as simple as posting wet floor signs but can go a long way in maintaining record of audit. Regarding incident reporting, employers must report workplace fatalities withing eight hours and all other injuries within 24 hours.
Health and Safety Strategy
Organizations are expected to collaborate with HR to craft a comprehensive health and safety strategy, appointing a dedicated leader or specialist to oversee its implementation. This leader should provide regular reports on workplace conditions and establish accessible internal policies, while addressing employee safety concerns promptly.
Employers should take every precaution to prevent slips and falls, tailoring safety measures to the specific hazards of their facilities. OSHA’s guidelines are essential, especially for industries like healthcare with unique requirements.
First aid readiness is crucial. Employers should ensure staff have access to fully stocked first-aid kits, eyewash stations, and immediate location information for emergency responders.
Regular inspections tend to be the most consistent method in preventing incidents before they happen. Checking electrical equipment are necessary to prevent hazards such as wiring issues and short circuits. Proper labeling of hazardous materials and training on hazard communication are vital for compliance with OSHA and EPA standards.
For environments with bloodborne pathogen risks, businesses must implement safety procedures, proper waste disposal, and comprehensive staff training. Personal protective equipment should be readily available, reliable, and accompanied by training in its use and care.
Fire prevention measures, including regular drills and clear disaster response plans, are vital. Employers must also maintain and test fire safety systems and exit routes.
Industries using radiation-emitting equipment must enforce strict safety protocols and comply with both federal and state regulations.
OSHA compliance applies to most private-sector employers, ensuring a safe workplace is not just a regulatory requirement but a commitment to the well-being of employees and the smooth operation of business.
The Right Support for Meeting OSHA Compliance
The wide range of regulations for a small to mid-sized business can seem daunting at first. That’s why it might be smart to take advantage of resources provided by Journey Payroll & HR. We offer electronic Labor Law Posters options to help you and your employees be aware of the right to a safe workplace.
Get in touch with us today so we can help you stay compliant.
