Protect Your People, Protect Your Bottom Line
Introduction
Have you ever considered the ways you can maintain the safety of your team? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for ensuring worker safety. OSHA has a variety of standards businesses must meet in order to protect their employees. Violating OSHA standards can result in costly fines. Here are a few things business owners need to know about OSHA.
What is OSHA?
In an effort to keep employees safe and maintain healthy working environment, OSHA was formed. Since 1970 the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has been enforcing laws designed to make sure workers are afforded necessary protection against workplace hazards. Through developing safety standards as well as providing education and research on proper work practices, OSHA is committed to helping all employees stay safe in pursuit of gainful employment. Currently, 28 states operate an OSHA-approved plan; some of those states include Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and most of the mid-western states. All 50 states require government workers to be covered under OSHA policies.
“If you think OSHA is a small town in Wisconsin you’re in trouble.”
Why is OSHA necessary?
Congress created OSHA to ensure the safety of all hard-working people. This organization has taken it upon itself to set and implement standards, provide training sessions, run educational programs, as well as offer assistance with compliance issues in order to guarantee a safe workplace for employees throughout the nation!
“Occupational Safety and Health is vital to dignity of work.”
How can you implement OSHA into your business?
OSHA requires most employers to keep records of any workplace injuries or illnesses that could be considered "OSHA recordable" unless they meet specific criteria, such as a small-business exemption or being part of an industry partially exempt from this requirement. If these exemptions don't apply, then all accidents and health issues should be logged if they involve:
An employee
Work-related injuries including hearing loss, exposure to infectious disease etc.
Incidents resulting in death, days away from work, restricted work, medical treatment or loss of consciousness
Work-related injury diagnosed by a licensed healthcare professional
A new, not previously recorded, injury experienced by the employee do to job related tasks
Conclusion
Accident reporting isn't just a box to tick for OSHA compliance - it's an essential tool in building safety across the workplace. Accurate and consistent recording keeps everyone updated on procedures, while also showing employees that their wellbeing is respected by management. When done right, accident reports can help create a safe environment where workers know that they're cared about - fostering trust and establishing strong safeguards as part of your organization's culture. If you need further information on OSHA requirements or need assistance on the best way to keep track of these records, TTM would love to help!