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Occupational Safety & Health
by Jon Faranda
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Overview
As an employer, it is important to be aware of federal and local safety and health regulations, as well as strategies to provide your workers with the best possible workplace environment. As an employee, it is important to know your rights and insist that your work environment not be so hazardous that your health might suffer.
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OSHA
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is the main federal agency responsible for producing and enforcing regulations of workplace safety and health, as well as providing assistance to local agencies in the enforcement of those regulations. OSHA also provides people in the private and public sectors with guidance on establishing best practices for workplace safety and health, and many free services to improve workplace standards.
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Hazards/Containment
Hazards recognized by OSHA and other federal, state and local regulatory bodies include everything from dangerous levels of exposure to airborne and chemical contaminants to ergonomic injuries resulting from prolonged strain to workers' bodies. OSHA has established methods for controlling these hazards, such as replacing chemicals known to be dangerous with less hazardous alternatives, developing more effective policies and procedures, and using creative scheduling to reduce exposure.
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Training
The OSHA Training Institute in Arlington Heights, Illinois, provides comprehensive training at the basic and advanced levels to government officials as well as public sector employees and businesses. Somewhat smaller OTI Education Centers, located throughout the country, also provide training to the public and private sectors. If money for training is a concern, grant and loan programs, or low-cost or no-cost training may be available through private non-profit organizations.
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Reporting Problems
Often, small problems can be dealt with internally, so the first step an employee should take in reporting a violation of local or federal occupational safety and health regulations is to notify an official within the company. If there is a major violation at your workplace, or the problem persists after being reported internally, consider notifying an OSHA office near you, or the regulatory body in your state or local jurisdiction. If you are worried about retaliation for reporting an incident or violation, you should be aware of whistle-blower protection provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Your union representative or an OSHA representative can advise you about these protections.
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Best Practices
It is advisable to conduct work site analyses on a regular basis to assess what hazards may exist at your business or workplace, and develop strategies to reduce those hazards. Many state and local agencies can provide you with no-cost occupational safety and health consulting services, or free publications to assist you with reducing hazards and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
