Common OSHA Safety Topics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." There are a number of safety topics covered under the various laws and regulations administered by OSHA.

Fire Safety

The OSHA Fact Sheet (2002) addresses how employers should train staff regarding possible fire hazards, precautionary measures for prevention and what to do in the case of a fire emergency. Among the OSHA requirements for fire safety are enough exits to evacuate the entire work facility quickly. While there is no requirement for employers to provide fire extinguishers, if an employer chooses to do so, there are guidelines for training employees on how to use it and other firefighting equipment.

First Aid

OSHA recommends that one employee on the premises, typically a registered nurse, have first aid training, especially in industries that run a high risk of injury. OSHA's record-keeping rules, revised and effective in 2002, state that no report is necessary for first aid treatment of injuries, unless additional treatment is necessary.

Hazardous Substances

OSHA defines hazardous and toxic substances as "those chemicals present in the workplace which are capable of causing harm." The regulations OSHA enforces currently include around 400 substances. The OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response final rule (29 CFR 1910.120) requires that employees that deal with hazardous substances on a regular basis provide be trained for clean-up of those substances.

Motor Vehicles

The National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2006 reported that over 2,400 deaths a year are the result of motor vehicle accidents while on the job. For employees in the agriculture industry, one of the OSHA requirements are roll-over protection structures for tractors. OSHA requires delivery trucks to maintain cross-view back-up mirrors to allow drivers to see blind spots.

Teen Workers

OSHA recognizes that teen and youth employees are vital to most every work force. However, they also lack the responsibility and training that come with years of life experience. For that reason, OSHA recommends additional safety precautions when youth are under your employ, including extra training, extra supervision of teen employees, the implementation of a mentor system and clear markings on teen-restricted equipment.

References

• OSHA: Safety and Health Topics

Resources

• OSHA Fire Safety Requirements
• First Aid Training Programs
• OSHA Young Employee Standards