09/19/2023
Act Now: Five Steps to Address Increasing OSHA Reports by Employees!
More and more, your employees are reluctant to tolerate working conditions that past generations considered acceptable. While they may not voice these concerns directly to you, they are increasingly reaching out to OSHA to address their issues. Here's a two month snapshot of what caused OSHA to conduct 269 inspections just in the state of Indiana:
- 269 Inspections: Completed 04/01/23 - 06/30/23
- 9 Inspections: Fatality/Catastrophe
- 70 Inspections: Referral (Reported by media coverage or employee rep.)
- 95 Inspections: Complaint (Reported by current or past employee)
- 174 Summary: OSHA was contacted for at least 174 of those 269 inspections.
Read further to discover 5 steps your company can take to drastically reduce the risk of OSHA citations AND elevate safety within your organization!
1. Create a Comprehensive Written Safety Program: Develop a thorough, written safety program that outlines your company's safety protocols, procedures, and guidelines. This document should be easily accessible to all employees and should be reviewed regularly for any necessary updates.
2. Conduct Routine Safety Training: Regularly educate employees about the safety standards and procedures outlined in your written program. This training should be updated whenever there are changes in equipment, processes, or even staff to ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
3. Perform Regular Safety Audits: Consistently audit your workplace for potential safety hazards. Use checklists that align with OSHA guidelines and your written safety program. Promptly address any issues that are discovered.
4. Implement a Reporting System: Establish an anonymous reporting system for employees to bring attention to safety concerns or violations. Encourage employees to use it and ensure there are no repercussions for reporting. This helps in identifying issues that may not be immediately obvious.
5. Keep Detailed Records: Accurate documentation of safety protocols, incident reports, equipment inspections, and employee training sessions is essential. This provides a paper trail demonstrating your company’s proactive approach to safety and compliance.
Bonus: Here are 5 more worth considering:
1. Promptly Address Hazards
2. Have Safety Equipment in Place
3. Stay Informed on OSHA Guidelines
4. Adapt and Update Safety Protocols
5. Be Inspection-Ready
By diligently implementing these strategies, you're not only minimizing the risk of OSHA citations but also investing in a safer, more efficient work environment for everyone involved.
Let's Not Meet By Accident!®
