5 Things Startups Need to Know About OSHA
0 CommentsEvery business should be concerned about employee safety, whether you are part of a large organization or a fairly small one, including startups. And even offices have occupational hazards, so don’t be lulled into thinking that only jobs involving physical labor need to be aware of OSHA regulations. If you’re part of a business, then you need to know and be able to implement workplace safety. To help you better understand OSHA, here are five things that businesses should know.
1. What is OSHA?
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and is under the United States Department of Labor. The OSH Act was created to ensure the safety of employees while they are at work. OSHA is a government agency that regulates workplace safety practices, ensuring that all employees have a safe place to work.
2. What and Who is Covered Under OSHA?
According to the OSH Act, employers are required to provide a safe work environment that is free of known hazards. This covers all potential hazards such as dangers from chemicals, trips and falls, workplace violence, and almost all other potential workplace hazards. One of the few exceptions to this is any hazards that involve food with workplaces that sell it. Private sector businesses are required to be in compliance with OSHA regulations, but self-employed individuals who do not have employees are not. It is critical that if you are thinking about starting a business or have already started a business that you comply by the OSHA rules and regulations.
3. What Services Does OSHA Offer?
OSHA offers training, education, and outreach programs for businesses. These services are designed to equip businesses and their employees with necessary knowledge in order to work safely. Among these opportunities are classes and grants to help non-profit organizations become more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and how they can be avoided and minimized.
4. How Are OSHA Regulations Enforced?
One of the ways that OSHA regulations are enforced is through inspections. These are conducted without advance notice, and businesses with higher incident rates or worker complaints are more likely to be inspected. Businesses that have had catastrophes and fatalities are most likely to undergo OSHA inspections.
5. Do Injuries and Illnesses Need to be Reported?
As of January 2017, organizations are required to report injuries and illnesses electronically. Many of these injuries and illnesses are ones that were already required to be recorded on-site.
Employee safety is a concern for all businesses, both large and small, including startups. Those who are seeking further clarification can visit the OSHA website, which explains the mission and recent changes more thoroughly.
Resources:
How OSHA Rules Apply to Startups | NBC Chicago
Personal Injury Case Law | Craigswapp.com
Why Is OSHA Important in a Company? | Chron.com
5 Game-Changing Business Tips For Entrepreneurial Immigrants | Lum Law Group
