All small businesses should have safety regulations and safety programs in the workplace. But, it’s just as important to enforce them as it is to create these programs. An organization that offers help in this area and handles most of the official safety regulations for companies in the United States is theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the US Department of Labor. OSHA is can also take some credit for the recent decline in work-related injuries as a result of negligence.
What is OSHA?
OSHA provides safety tips and creates occupational health and safety programs for small and large businesses alike. This helps enterprises to cut back on work-related injuries and worker’s compensation claims. OSHA also establishes the safety and health regulations for most businesses in the US. They administer the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, which you probably see on the walls of your company. These posters are actually required by OSHA as they inform employees of proper regulations and safety precautions to be aware of. Safety and health conditions of companies must be regulated and approved by OSHA or an OSHA-approved organization.
What Does OSHA Do?
OSHA’s main responsibility is to help protect the health and safety of workers in the United States. It will establish partnerships with local organizations who oversee their safety regulations, encourage improvement in safety and health programs at companies, provide education, outreach and training of proper safety procedures, and enforce standards for health and safety in the workplace.
Local Workplace Safety Programs
OSHA isn’t the only organization overseeing safety regulations in the workplace, though they are the most common. Local safety programs can also be introduced although in most cases they need to be approved by OSHA. They must comply by all regulations set by OSHA and be enforced and continue to meet their standards. You will be liable for fines if you choose an organization to handle your safety and health that doesn’t follow the proper regulations as set by OSHA.
OSHA Regulations
OSHA safety and regulations are separated into four main categories according to their industries. The categories are agriculture, construction, general industry and maritime. Every category will have their own set of standards for maintaining the employee’s health and safety in the workplace.
Aside from industry-specific regulations, all businesses must meet certain standards. This includes providing employees with protective equipment like hats, goggles and helmets, clearly labeling hazards in the workplace and educating employees on them, having access to medical records and complying with inspections by OSHA or local companies.
Whether you have workplace standards and regulations created by OSHA or another organization, keeping the workplace safe and secure for employees is essential. Educate them on the various hazards and dangers, label everything effectively and give your workers everything they need to complete their job safely. Make sure you have workers compensation insurance too to cover any costs associated with an employee’s on-the-job injury.
