The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) has strict workplace guidelines and employee rights that must be adhered to. Businesses that don’t follow must be willing to pay heavy fines, court settlements and possible jail time.
These regulations cover more than just construction or industrial sites, as all employers should be on notice that they must maintain the appropriate standards for their employees and customers.
Note: Even if you have just one employee, OSHA applies to your business, especially in circumstances where you do not work shoulder-to-shoulder with him or her.
How to Stay in Compliance
OSHA has many rules, regulations, and laws that must be adhered to, so knowing what may apply to your business operation is critical to being in compliance. Reading through the laws is a good starting point to get into compliance, and OSHA can provide consultations, instructions and published information to ensure that the laws are being adequately followed.
Once the business has met compliance with the rules, then it’s just a matter of staying in line with the regulations. Having a monthly program to review the workspace is one of the best ways to do this, and even better is having a live program that helps remind staff to conduct self-inspections.
Live programs also track the self-inspections to ensure everything is being done properly. With modern technology, it can be as simple as using a smartphone app to track safety checklists, upload recent photos and talk with safety consultants nearly instantly.
This is especially helpful for remote or isolated workplaces, where having the managers review and compile data can be difficult to accomplish in a timely manner due to travel. It’s also helpful where the cost of having consultants visit in person may be exorbitant or difficult as well.
Benefits of a Compliant Work Site
Being compliant with OSHA’s regulations may seem aggravating for a business owner or manager, but there are some clear benefits that offset the costs that may be incurred.
- Improved Customer Relations. When your business shows that it cares about employee and public safety, it makes customers feel safer using your services. In turn, that can mean more new and loyal customers based on that record.
- Fewer Employee Complaints. Safe employees are more productive employees because they feel that you care, plus they are less likely, or unable to, file complaints that could be costly or cause work stoppages.
- Reduction in Direct Costs. Fewer job illnesses, injuries, and fatalities clearly mean less that must be paid out for medical fees, insurance, workers compensation and other claims stemming from the workplace.
Rather than being caught in a difficult situation later, it’s best to take the initiative and ensure your business is protected, by operating in compliance, and stays that way, as soon as possible. If you’re always waiting for tomorrow to get started, then it will never be started today.
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