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Safety Services Company

It is estimated that America's Workplace injury and illness costs the economy upwards of $120 Billion annually. Many american employers have very little idea what the OSHA Standards require of them. Many contractors do not maintain regular employee training or any of the required written safety programs. OSHA does not come right out and mandate that employers have a written Company Safety and Health Program, but if an employer has all of the required written programs which ARE requred, he or she would have a Safety Manual. The first thing an OSHA Compliance Officer wants to see is Safety Meetings and training records, and if you have Spanish speaking employees, the Compliance Officer wants to see Spanish training records and written programs. OSHA says, "If it is not documented, as far as OSHA is concerned, it was not done."

Here is a basic outline of OSHA requirements (as dictacted in Subpart C (§1926.20) - see This Link from OSHA:

Accident Prevention Responsibilities – It shall be the responsibility of the employer to initiate and maintain such programs as necessary to comply with OSHA Requirements.

1. Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers.
2. The use of any machinery, tool, material, or equipment which is not in compliance with any applicable OSHA Standard is prohibited. Such tool, machine, material, or equipment shall either be identified as unsafe by tagging, or locking the controls to render them inoperable, or shall be physically removed from its place of operation.
3. The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery.

Safety Training and Education – The employer should avail himself of (or utilize) the safety and health training programs that OSHA provides (referred to as non-mandatory guidelines) for the education and training of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe conditions in employments covered by the act.

1. The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his workplace to control or eliminate hazards or exposure to illness or injury.
2. Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required.
3. In job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding potential hazards, how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to use if injured.
4. Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements.
5. All employees required to enter into confined spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required.

First-Aid and Medical Attention – First aid services and provisions for medical care shall be made available by the employer for every employee. Regulations prescribing specific requirements for first aid, medical attention, and emergency facilities are contained in their own section.
Fire Protection and Prevention – The employer shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of an effective fire protection and prevention program at the job site throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work. The employer shall ensure the availability of the fire protection and suppression equipment required.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions.

This is a basic outline for OSHA requirements, this article is by no means a comprehensive list. The best thing you can do is get a Health and Safety Program. Our company provides a complete array of Safety Services for many types of companies, our products are comprehensive and low-priced. For more information, please go to our website : safetyservicescompany.com

All information in this article comes from the July 2007 Safety Sam Newsletter, which can be found Here. We offer this newsletter free of charge every month. The Safety Blog