Did you know that the top Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation in Hawaii is the lack of fall protection? Did you also know that fall protection citations have the highest penalty rates in the US? While there’s no “one size fits all” cost, our research shows these fines can range as high as $125,000. Whether it’s a falling hazard, or another safety risk, if an OSHA inspector cites a workplace threat it can cost your company money, time, and credibility.
These 5 steps apply to any industry and will help prepare your company for its next OSHA inspection and keep your employees safe.
- Have a plan for the next time an OSHA inspector shows up. Designate a team to take charge when the inspector arrives. Team members may include a greeter, tour guide, photographer, and record keeper. Make sure each individual is aware of their responsibilities. It’s also important to inform both management and staff of their rights in the event of an inspection.
- Maintain clear and organized records of all company safety activities, including safety training, previous inspections, and any injuries. Also, be sure to have your safety policy in writing. A written safety and health program is a requirement in the state of Hawaii.
- Conduct frequent reviews of your safety procedures to ensure that your current policy is effective and in compliance with all HIOSH and, for those operating on federal property, Fed OSHA standards. Make sure all certifications and licenses are up to date, and perform preventative maintenance to catch potential hazards before they become an issue.
- Actively involve your employees and keep them informed. Make sure proper safety information is posted around the workplace, coordinate safety training meetings, and distribute the company safety plan. You may also want to establish safety committees to encourage employees to help identify any health and safety problems in the workplace.
- Keep up on housekeeping. Most OSHA inspections are unannounced, so make it a priority to maintain a clean and organized workplace at all times. Do not block emergency exits and make sure they are properly labeled. Keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers easily accessible. Don’t leave trash or dangerous items lying around.
Actively preparing your company for an OSHA inspection will result in a safer and healthier workplace for both you and your staff. Not only will you be protecting your employees, you’ll be guarding your company against unnecessary expenses and costly workers’ compensation fees.
A detailed list of workplace safety regulations and other OSHA resources is available here: http://hawaii.gov/labor/hiosh or at www. osha.gov
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Did you know that the top Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation in Hawaii is the lack of fall protection? Did you also know that fall protection citations have the highest penalty rates in the US? While there’s no “one size fits all” cost, our research shows these fines can range as high as $125,000. Whether it’s a falling hazard, or another safety risk, if an OSHA inspector cites a workplace threat it can cost your company money, time, and credibility.
These 5 steps apply to any industry and will help prepare your company for its next OSHA inspection and keep your employees safe.
- Have a plan for the next time an OSHA inspector shows up. Designate a team to take charge when the inspector arrives. Team members may include a greeter, tour guide, photographer, and record keeper. Make sure each individual is aware of their responsibilities. It’s also important to inform both management and staff of their rights in the event of an inspection.
- Maintain clear and organized records of all company safety activities, including safety training, previous inspections, and any injuries. Also, be sure to have your safety policy in writing. A written safety and health program is a requirement in the state of Hawaii.
- Conduct frequent reviews of your safety procedures to ensure that your current policy is effective and in compliance with all HIOSH and, for those operating on federal property, Fed OSHA standards. Make sure all certifications and licenses are up to date, and perform preventative maintenance to catch potential hazards before they become an issue.
- Actively involve your employees and keep them informed. Make sure proper safety information is posted around the workplace, coordinate safety training meetings, and distribute the company safety plan. You may also want to establish safety committees to encourage employees to help identify any health and safety problems in the workplace.
- Keep up on housekeeping. Most OSHA inspections are unannounced, so make it a priority to maintain a clean and organized workplace at all times. Do not block emergency exits and make sure they are properly labeled. Keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers easily accessible. Don’t leave trash or dangerous items lying around.
Actively preparing your company for an OSHA inspection will result in a safer and healthier workplace for both you and your staff. Not only will you be protecting your employees, you’ll be guarding your company against unnecessary expenses and costly workers’ compensation fees.
A detailed list of workplace safety regulations and other OSHA resources is available here: http://hawaii.gov/labor/hiosh or at www. osha.gov
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.