OSHA

Guide to Improving Workplace Safety

Safety shortfalls cost you money and put your business in jeopardy
By Jennifer Baljko

Paying close attention to workplace safety isn't just good for business, it's the law. Legally, you are bound by state and federal regulations that spell out how you, as an employer, must provide a set standard of health and safety within your company. Beyond that, safety also makes good financial sense, providing benefits in lower insurance costs and greater productivity.

If you are in the process of creating a workplace safety program, or are reviewing what you already have in place, here's what you need to know:

1. Analyze everything from individual workstations to front entry door mats
2. Determine where the potential for injury or illness exists
3. Develop a safety program that acknowledges a range of different scenarios for potential harm, for example, injuries caused by repetitive motion or illnesses brought on by mold
4. Teach employees about injury and illness prevention and instruct them on what they should do if something goes wrong

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know where you stand Know the key factors that should be included in a safe workplace environment and figure out how to incorporate best practices.

I recommend:  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are useful places to obtain basics of health and safety requirements.

Make a list and check it twice Sketch out a comprehensive program, allocate the time and resources necessary to develop it and then follow up with employee education.

I recommend:  The Nonprofit Risk Management Center provides a how-to guide and checklist for setting up a program. This OSHA survey will also tell you how your program measures up and shows areas where you can make improvements.

Get a consultation If you're still not quite sure if you are on the right tract, OSHA provides a free consultation to small businesses. During this visit, they will pinpoint risks.

I recommend:  See details about how the OSHA consultation works.

Shop for the things you need There are a number of online stores where you can buy safety manuals, videos, booklets, safety glasses, fire extinguishers and a host of other related items.

I recommend:  Workplace Safety Store is where you'll find a long list of useful items that will help you comply with health and safety rules.

Stay up to date on the law Laws are always changing and new policies are constantly being adopted.

I recommend:  Cornell Law School has some updated information as well a broad look of existing legislation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Know what you are supposed to be reporting. While many companies will have to keep good records about their safety and health initiatives and on-site incidents, there are companies, depending on their size and industry served, that may be exempt from those requirements. OSHA has some advice on that front.