The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) oversees the enforcement and regulation of workplace safety standards. Each year, OSHA publishes a top ten most frequently cited standards to alert employers of workplace safety and health risks that can be mitigated with proper training and systems.
- Fall protection
- Hazard communication
- Ladders
- Respiratory protection
- Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- Powered industrial trucks
- Fall protection training
- Scaffolding
- Eye and face protection
- Machine guarding
While some risks are industry-specific, employers of all sizes and industries can reinforce safety efforts to stave off violations. From conducting workplace safety audits and OSHA reporting requirements, to providing proper employee training and implementing safety protocols, a concerted effort is necessary to protect workers and patrons from harm. Failure to satisfy requirements can result in penalties, which may run up to $16,550 depending on the type of violation committed.
Another component of OSHA compliance applicable to most employers is the OSHA Form 300 series, which tracks work-place injuries and illnesses. Employers, except those with 10 or fewer employees in the preceding calendar years or within an exempted industry, must maintain a recordkeeping log. All employers, even those exempt from other OSHA reporting requirements, must report any workplace incident that results in a fatality, in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. An OSHA 301 Injury and Illness Report must be completed within 7 days of an incident occurring. The incident data must then be logged into OSHA Form 300, which is the reference point for completing OSHA Form 300A. Form 300A summarizes the annual work–related injuries and illnesses within an organization and must be posted for employees to view between February 1 – April 30.
OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements are complicated, but Bukaty Companies’ Property & Casualty team is available to help. Current clients have access to complimentary OSHA reporting software to streamline the process. Connect with your benefits consultant or email riskadvisor@bukaty.com to learn more.
Recognizing and fixing vulnerabilities within the workplace keeps workers safe and helps organizations maintain a complaint environment. For more helpful tips and guidance on keeping your business risk management plan in check, consult with our Bukaty Companies Property & Casualty team.
