The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a well-known agency responsible for promoting workplace safety in the United States. Established in 1970 by Congress, OSHA’s mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, and education.
While OSHA is often associated with the construction industry and its regulations on ladders, helmets, safety equipment, and harnesses, its scope goes beyond that and applies to all businesses.
Learn more about how Asure can help you satisfy OSHA compliance requirements by connecting with an HR expert.
OSHA Also Applies to White Collar Jobs
OSHA’s regulations and guidelines are not limited to traditional blue-collar jobs, but also extend to white-collar jobs in various work environments. For example, injuries caused by falls, repetitive movements, or being struck by equipment can occur in any workplace, including offices.
Most Common OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified several common violations that occur in workplaces. Here are some of the most common OSHA violations:
1 – Fall Protection: Failure to provide proper fall protection systems, such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems, to protect workers from falls at heights.
2 – Hazard Communication: Inadequate communication and labeling of hazardous chemicals, including lack of safety data sheets (SDS) and proper training on chemical hazards.
3 – Scaffolding: Unsafe or improper use of scaffolding, including lack of proper assembly, stability, or fall protection measures.
4 – Respiratory Protection: Failure to provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment and programs for employees working in environments with respiratory hazards.
5 – Lockout/Tagout: Inadequate procedures to control hazardous energy sources during maintenance or servicing of machinery, leading to potential injuries or fatalities.
6 – Ladders: Unsafe use or maintenance of ladders, such as using damaged or incorrect types of ladders for specific tasks.
7 – Machine Guarding: Insufficient guarding of machinery to prevent contact with moving parts, leading to amputation or other serious injuries.
8 – Electrical Wiring: Violations related to electrical wiring methods, including improper grounding, exposed wiring, and inadequate protection against electrical hazards.
9 – Powered Industrial Trucks: Violations involving the safe operation and maintenance of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks, including lack of training and improper load handling.
10 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Failure to provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE, such as eye protection, gloves, or hearing protection, in workplaces with known hazards.
It’s important for employers to address these common violations and ensure compliance with OSHA standards to protect the safety and well-being of their employees.
Emergency Action Plans
Emergency action plans, which outline procedures in the event of emergencies such as fires, are also required by OSHA in office settings. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA regulations on the use of respirators and face masks in the workplace were applicable.
OSHA Regulations
The key concept underlying OSHA regulations is that every business, regardless of its industry or workplace setting, has hazards that need to be identified and addressed.
OSHA requires businesses to take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce these hazards to ensure workplace safety.
See our in-depth video with an employment attorney about OSHA here.
Conclusion
OSHA is a crucial agency that plays a significant role in promoting workplace safety for all businesses. Its regulations and guidelines go beyond traditional construction and manufacturing industries and apply to all workplaces.
It is essential for employers to understand and comply with OSHA regulations to ensure the health and safety of their workers and maintain a safe working environment.
Asure can help you satisfy OSHA compliance requirements. Contact us here.