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When workers were at risk of injury and death while on the job, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, stepped in to help enforce employee well-being. With their creation in the early 1970s, OSHA responded to the public demand of protecting workers when they faced difficult and dangerous tasks during a work shift.
Today, OSHA continues to enforce the same mission. Now, with the cooperation of companies and businesses, can demonstrate that need for worker well-being and safety. Establishments across the country are learning how to comply with OSHA regulations. Learn what you can do to get started.
Establish a Hazard Communication Plan
In the 1980s, OSHA established a standard that requires businesses to create a communication program, otherwise known as a Chemical Hazard Communication Plan (HCP), that names chemicals and outlines their dangers. HCPs provide business owners and their teams with helpful information on chemical information and what to do in the event of a chemical injury.
Workers have a right to know about the dangers of chemicals and substances they use for their work. Being transparent about chemical risks opens a line of regular communication between employer and employee. Everyone should follow proper measures when dealing with hazardous chemicals.
A successful HCP should be clear and comprehensive. It should include lists of hazardous chemicals and substances, material safety data sheets for each chemical, label protocols, and other essential employee information.
Provide Team with Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a necessity that aims to combat other potential hazards in the workplace by reducing exposure to infection and illness. PPE is most common in medical and dental practices, as both professions may involve workers coming in close contact with human bodily fluids and pathogens.
PPE in the form of gowns, smocks, goggles, face masks, and gloves should be readily available and in a clean and reliable condition that promotes complete protection. Employees should be aware of how to clean, maintain, or discard PPE after each use.
Have a Stocked First Aid Kit Readily Available
To further achieve workplace safety, you'll want to maintain an industry appropriate first aid kit that has enough supplies to treat minor to severe injuries. Training staff on basic first aid protocol is vital to the well-being of all employees, especially during emergency events.
Display an OSHA Poster in a Visible Area
An OSHA poster informs workers of their rights under OSHA; no worker should feel forced into working in an unsanitary or unsafe work environment. Business owners must display an OSHA poster in a visible area where staff can view it at their leisure. It can prove to be a helpful resource if employees feel that the workplace violates standards.
Promptly Clean Spills and Remove Clutter
Slip-and-fall hazards like spills are common. They pose a danger to workers and can lead to injuries. Having everyone on board with maintaining a spill-free work zone mitigates the probability of a fall-related injury.
The workplace should be free of clutter to ensure that all walkways and paths remain clear and accessible. Employers and employees should always store items that obstruct the floor in appropriate storage areas out of sight.
Report Applicable Incidents and Injuries
OSHA requires employers to report all significant incidents related to safety and health. In-patient hospitalizations, amputations, loss of an eye, and death must be reported to your local OSHA office for you to remain compliant.
Once OSHA receives a report, they can conduct an inspection of the area to learn more about the incident and what the business did to correct the hazard.
Establish a Fire Escape Plan
Devising a fire escape plan and its route is vital to the well-being of every individual present in the building. An effective fire evacuation plan should establish roles and responsibilities to encourage calm and collected organization. The program must also contain an evacuation map that identifies all safe exit points.
Employers and staff must understand fire suppression and extinguishing tools and know how to use them during a fire.
Have an Emergency Action Plan and Enforce Training
Expanding beyond fire threats, you want to establish an emergency action plan (EAP) that prepares workers and employers for other worse-case scenarios. An EAP should be thorough and comprehensive, and it should offer a protocol for various disasters. The plan should also delegate authority for emergency measures and offer direction to prevent further injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
Before creating an emergency action plan, gather as much information as possible about applicable laws, regional sources, and hazard assessments. Afterward, owners and employers should develop procedures, begin training workers, and revise the plan as needed.
A successful emergency action plan should incorporate steps like alerting staff and visitors of an emergency, accounting for individuals after following an EAP, and alerting the authorities during the event for additional assistance.
Once you establish a successful plan, keep the protocol in writing and print documents for all employees to review.
Stay on Top of Periodic Training to Stay Updated
Annual retraining is required to reinforce knowledge of safety protocol and procedures. Employers must encourage all staff to complete training and maintain completion records in case a compliance officer requires proof of training.
OSHA works with businesses and companies to demonstrate care toward employee safety in the workplace. Knowing how to comply with OSHA regulations is only half the job. As a business owner or manager, it's your responsibility to ensure that your team continues to practice safe habits that encourage efficiency and dedication to get the job done and remain protected while doing it.
At Gamma Compliance Solutions, our mission is to supply business owners with the resources necessary to educate staff and management on the importance of workplace safety. Our resource catalog includes an OSHA and HIPAA compliance kit that can get you started in the fundamentals and serves as a relevant source to refer back to and ensure that your business remains compliant in practices. For more information, feel free to contact us.
