How to Avoid OSHA Violations

By complying with the standards of OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you can help to protect your employees from exposure to illness and injury in the workplace. In addition, OSHA violations can literally ruin a business financially, since the fines can be quite large, especially if more than one citation is issued.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• OSHA materials, including all handbooks and safety materials

1. Avoid OSHA violations by keeping complete records in compliance with government standards. OSHA requires that you keep detailed records of all employee accidents or illnesses that may have been caused by exposure to hazardous material or unsafe conditions. Keep detailed files in a location that is easily accessible to any OSHA inspector.
2. Keep records of all monthly safety meetings that have been conducted according to OSHA standards. Use the sheets that are found in each OSHA handbook to document the date, the OSHA standard discussed and the name of all personnel who attended the meeting. In addition, keep a copy of all OSHA tests and quizzes in each individual employee file in order to avoid violations.
3. Follow-up on any complaint filed with OSHA in regard to safety and health issues in your workplace. If a complaint is filed with OSHA, either by an employee or someone who is acting on the employees' behalf, an OSHA representative will usually conduct an informal inspection, either in person or on the phone, to address possible violations and give the employer a chance to correct the issue. If these issues are not immediately addressed, the fine can be more severe if a follow-up inspection is conducted.
4. Correct any violations that have been observed during a formal OSHA inspection of your workplace as quickly as possible. The amount of the fine for each OSHA violation can increase exponentially if it is not corrected within the specified time period.
5. Audit the safety and health of your workplace on your own, using the materials offered by OSHA. OSHA handbooks contain checklists that discuss each possible violation in your workplace. By ensuring compliance on a regular basis through these audits, you can avoid OSHA violations.
6. Log onto the OSHA website to order materials, supplies, handbooks and articles that will help you to avoid violations during an inspection (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Any attempt to retaliate against an employee who has filed a complaint with OSHA can lead to larger fines, and possibly legal action against your business.