Developing a workplace that makes workplace accidents OSHA fines a rarity is more within grasp than many business owners realize. Establishing an OSHA-proof workspace goes beyond just avoiding penalties by committing to the welfare of your employees, your business's reputation, and your organization's financial health.

In this post, we'll discuss how you can proactively transform your business into an OSHA-proof workplace by explaining what OSHA looks for in workplaces so you can establish company policy accordingly.

Understanding What OSHA Looks for in Inspections

Understanding what OSHA inspectors look for can show you how to shape your policies to adhere to them – lowering the risk of injury and fines. OSHA's regulations focus on various safety and health concerns to ensure workers have safe conditions. By knowing what OSHA inspectors are looking for, businesses can avoid fines and create safer, healthier workplaces that boost productivity.

Common OSHA Regulations

OSHA's regulations encompass a wide range of safety measures designed to protect workers from the many risks they may encounter in the workplace. These regulations include the following:

• Hazard Communication: This is crucial for keeping employees informed about potential dangers and includes regular safety training sessions, clear signage, and up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to help meet this requirement.
• Respiratory Protection: Measures for respiratory protection ensure adequate air quality in the workplace. Providing appropriate respirators, regular fit testing, and employee training can address this OSHA concern.
• Electrical Wiring Safety: Safe electrical wiring methods are essential to prevent electrical accidents. Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment, proper employee training, and adherence to established safety standards can comply with these regulations.
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Implementing these procedures can prevent accidental machine startups during maintenance. Developing a comprehensive lockout/tagout program and training workers on these procedures can proactively tackle this concern.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE protects workers exposed to various hazards. Providing PPE to all such workers and conducting regular training on proper usage can adhere to this OSHA regulation.
• Fire Safety: Measures such as fire extinguishers and evacuation plans protect employees in case of a fire emergency. Ensuring these measures are in place and conducting regular fire drills can meet this requirement.

Each of these regulations offers a pathway to regulatory compliance and a safer, healthier work environment. Stay tuned for our next section, where we will discuss the risks of failing to OSHA-proof your company.

Risks of Not OSHA-Proofing Your Company

Ignoring OSHA regulations might save you some time and resources in the short term, but the long-term consequences can be dire. An unsafe workplace is a highly risky situation where it's not a matter of if an accident will happen – but when. When it does, the resulting injuries could lead to costly medical expenses, lowered productivity, and potential legal battles. Moreover, OSHA violations could result in hefty fines and even forced shutdowns. The reputation damage from such incidents could be irreparable, leading to lost business and a demoralized workforce.

Failure to create a safe work environment can also expose your business to the risk of PAGA claims, where employees file a suit against the company without direct government intervention. Creating a conducive and nurturing environment empowers your staff to help them feel supported and secure.

Get Expert Help to Proactively Implement

OSHA-proofing only needs the right expertise to achieve it. Partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO) can make the process seamless and efficient. PEOs like Easeworks help businesses understand and implement OSHA regulations and provide ongoing support to ensure compliance. They can perform audits, train your workforce, develop safety procedures, and even represent your company during OSHA inspections. By outsourcing risk management to experts, you can focus on what you do best—running your business—while leaving the safety and compliance to those who specialize in it.