OSHA was created in 1970 as a response to public outcry against rising injury and death rates in the workplace. OSHA sets legal guidelines for businesses across all industries, which help to prevent injuries by eliminating hazards and educating both employees and employers. Compliance with OSHA standards should be one of the highest priorities in creating your own workplace health and safety program.
OSHA regulations can be found at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs
Some industries have their own specific set of standards, while others fall under the “General Industry” category. These regulations outline safety standards regarding things like:
- Walking surfaces
- Exit routes and emergency planning
- Noise exposure
- Chemical exposure
- Protective gear
- Sanitation
- Fire safety
The topics listed above barely scrape the surface of OSHA regulations, which even detail the safe use of industry-specific machinery. They also require employers to train employees on a variety of safety standards. The law requires you to comply with OSHA regulations and they perform inspections periodically. An employee complaint could also trigger an inspection. If you are cited with a violation, your business could face serious fines.
The best solution is prevention. Professional occupational health and safety training will ensure that your workplace complies with OSHA standards. United Alliance Services provides an extensive variety of workplace health and safety training as well as OSHA compliance consulting for businesses across all industries. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business comply with OSHA standards and develop a stronger internal health and safety program.