Five Steps Toward Boosting Employee Safety and Avoiding OSHA Citations

I recently authored Epstein Becker Green’s March issue of Take 5 in which I outline actionable steps that employers can take to improve safety and avoid costly OSHA citations.

Following is an excerpt:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) was created by Congress to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. OSHA establishes standards and provides training and compliance assistance. It also enforces its standards with investigations and citations.

Although it’s impossible for employers to mitigate against every conceivable hazard in the workplace, there are five critical steps that every employer should take to improve safety in the workplace—and avoid costly OSHA citations. Read on for the steps:

1. Conduct an Internal Safety and Health Audit Under Attorney-Client Privilege
2. Create a Strong Safety Culture
3. Ensure That Safety and Health Documentation Is Current and Well Communicated
4. Train Employees in Safety and Health, Regularly and Comprehensively
5. Protect Contractors and Temporary Workers, Too

Click here to read the full Take 5 online.