how to become an osha trainer

10 Things to Know About OSHA Regulations

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Any business owner with employees should be aware of OSHA regulations and what's involved in meeting them. To help you out, here are 10 basic things to know.

OSHA Was Passed in 1970

The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed into law in 1970. Today, compliance is overseen by the Department of Labor, who check how safe employers are keeping their workplaces for workers.

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OSHA Applies to Employees on the Payroll

Even if you have just one employee, you're bound by OSHA regulations. Independent contractors and freelancers are not. If you have 10 or fewer employees, though, you don't need to file injury or illness reports.

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Be Aware of State OSHA Laws

Much of OSHA is applied nationwide as federal law, but many states have their own standards to adhere to. And these take precedence where applicable, so it's vital you know what they are.

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OSHA Training Is Mandatory

Your employees are expected to be trained in whatever areas are applicable to their work. This might include the safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and biological pathogens. At the very least, they should know what to do in emergencies, including how best to get out of the building.

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Your Employees Should Know Their Rights

OSHA training is one way to keep your employees informed, in line with safety standards. But you're also required to keep an OSHA poster on view in a prominent place to let workers know their rights.

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You're Expected to Document Training

Not only does OSHA emphasize the importance of training, but it expects you to keep records of it too. Inspectors may ask for the date and scope of employee training, as well as the names of those involved — so it's important to keep the documentation.

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You Have to Keep the Safety Standards Handy

It's important for you, as an employer, or at least a designated employee, to know OSHA safety standards well. You are therefore expected — and required — to keep either OSHA 1910 (for general industry) or OSHA 1926 (for construction) at each work site.

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You Don't Have to Let Inspectors In

Unless an OSHA inspector has a warrant, you do not have to let them in. Not only that, but you have the right to cancel an inspection at any time or request a different inspector.

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Inspectors Can Take Note of Anything

Once you let an inspector in, though, they're free to document everything. Left to look around on their own, they will probably find all kinds of issues with your workplace — including new staff who might not know what they're doing yet.

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Do Your Own Inspection

Ideally, you want to follow the inspector round. Furthermore, you want to undertake your own parallel inspection. Photograph, measure and ask whatever he does as you make your way around the workplace. And then demand they add your own records to their file.

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