Prepare for 2024 with an Annual OSHA Compliance Checklist
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for ensuring that employees have a safe and healthy work environment. As a result, businesses must comply with OSHA standards and regulations to avoid citations and penalties. An OSHA inspection can be a stressful experience for businesses, but being prepared can make the process smoother. Review this compliance checklist to make OSHA’s next visit to your company go as smoothly as possible:
- Develop a Written Safety Plan
Every business should have a written safety plan that outlines how they will maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This plan should be tailored to the specific hazards and risks of the workplace. For example, a manufacturing plant may have specific PPE requirements like steel toed boots. Be prepared to show OSHA your written plan and be able to demonstrate that you are actively implementing it.
- Provide Routine Trainings
All employees should receive training on workplace hazards and how to avoid them. This training should be documented, and employees should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the material. The training should be reviewed and updated regularly.
- Maintain Accurate Records
OSHA requires businesses to keep detailed records of workplace injuries and illnesses. These records must be accurate and up to date. Businesses should also have documentation of safety training, inspections, and any corrective actions taken.
- Conduct Workplace Inspections
Conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards and take corrective action. Keep detailed records of inspections and address any identified hazards promptly.
- Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide employees with the necessary PPE to protect against workplace hazards. This equipment should be regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced as necessary. Some common PPE can include safety vests, hard hats, safety glasses and steel toed boots.
- Display Required Posters
Display required OSHA posters, including the OSHA poster that outlines employees’ rights and responsibilities. You can acquire the latest posters from OSHA directly for free. Once they arrive, make sure to hang them in the break room for optimal reading.
- Cooperate with the OSHA Inspector
Be courteous and cooperative during the inspection. Answer questions truthfully,and provide the inspector with the requested information. If the inspector identifies any hazards, take immediate corrective action.
- Understand the Citation Process
If OSHA identifies any violations, they will issue citations and may assess penalties. It’s important to understand the citations process, including the timelines for responding to the citations and appealing any penalties.
- Correct Any OSHA-Identified Hazards
If OSHA identifies any hazards during the inspection, take immediate corrective action to address them. Document the actions taken and provide proof of correction to OSHA as soon as possible.
Using this checklist will better prepare you for that next OSHA inspection. This compliance checklist can help you demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. If you’re looking to go one step further, you may want to schedule a Mock OSHA Inspection with a YellowBird Pro. A safety expert can ensure you are in the best shape possible before OSHA shows up. Post your Mock OSHA Inspection today!
