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Anica Oaks
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How to Keep Your Small Business OSHA Compliant

Anica Oaks

September 26, 2016


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Every business in the US, including those in healthcare, must comply with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These requirements are extensive and can be difficult to manage, but here are some tips for keeping your company in compliance.

Stay Updated

Where state and federal safety regulations differ, you're better off following the stricter regulation. Occasionally requirements will change, so it's important to stay up to date. Disease control is also a frequent issue as threats emerge, from dangerous strains of influenza to the outbreak of the Zika virus. Know what illnesses or infections are out there and how to combat them. It's also important to stay on top of new chemical products or warnings. Regularly visit OSHA's website for updates.

Have the Equipment

Be sure that emergency response equipment such as fire extinguishers or eyewash stations are clearly marked and accessible. Regulations also require that all fuels and chemicals stored at your facility carry OSHA-compliant hazard labels. If these are torn off or unreadable, print out replacement labels. Be familiar with the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for every product you use, and have the appropriate first aid supplies on hand.

Train and Investigate

Any employees who might encounter workplace hazards should trained in the dangers and solutions, as well as in OSHA compliance standards, appropriate to their job descriptions. Encourage employees to report safety concerns, and hold staff accountable for incidents of neglect. Check frequently on obtaining safer products—both chemical and mechanical—and implement procedures for storage, alerts, and warnings. Try to develop a company culture that puts a priority on safety.

Safety Officer

The final step toward OSHA compliance is appointing or becoming a qualified safety officer to oversee these efforts. You can better ensure everyone remains safe by having a staff member who has earned a bachelor's in occupational safety that helps your company build a reputation as a leader and problem-solver concerned with both staff well-being and company integrity. Success in such a role will require understanding of OSHA regulation and practices as well as policy planning, management, and enforcement within the workplace.

 

Workplace safety can never be taken lightly, and don’t postpone solutions to known problems. In California alone in 2014 there were 344 work-related deaths, and there were likely more that could be included. That's nearly a death every day. You don't want to be one of those companies, so it's important to meet or exceed OSHA requirements.


                   



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