How to Get OSHA Certified

Is your company doing everything it can to keep employees safe? According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), nearly 5,200 workers were killed on the job in 2021, which means about 14 people lost their lives every day due to workplace accidents. Therefore, following safety standards in the workplace is extremely important. OSHA compliance does not only involve avoiding fines or legal issues, it is more about protecting employees from preventable injuries and even death.

OSHA sets safety guidelines for businesses across various industries. For individuals who run a small office or a large construction site, complete knowledge of how to become OSHA certified is mandatory. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to maintain OSHA compliance and meet all safety requirements. 

Read More: What is OSHA Training

Steps to Get OSHA Certification

Read More: How to Maintain and Renew Your OSHA Certification?

How to Ensure OSHA Compliance

Once the employees know how to get an OSHA card from their organization, they should know how to stay compliant within their company. In addition, employers should also keep accurate records of incidents and ensure employees are aware of their rights under OSHA regulations to promote a safe work environment. Some of the considerations are as follows: 

1.  Understand OSHA Regulations

The first step to staying compliant is understanding what OSHA regulations apply to your business. OSHA has rules that vary based on industry, so you need to identify which standards are relevant to your company. For example, construction companies will have different requirements than healthcare providers or office-based businesses. To make sure you are up to date, visit the OSHA website regularly for updated information. Review industry-specific standards. Look into general requirements like hazard communication, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency action plans.

2. Conduct a Workplace Assessment

Once you know what regulations apply to your business, conduct a thorough assessment of your workplace. This will help identify any potential hazards that need to be addressed to comply with the OSHA safety certification guide. Walk through your facility and observe how work is being done. Common areas of focus include physical hazards and chemical hazards. Machinery, electrical wiring, or unsafe building structures are physical hazards. Chemical hazards are storage and handling of dangerous chemicals.  Use checklists from OSHA’s website to make sure you’re not missing any important areas during your assessment.

3. Create a Safety Plan

A written safety plan is required by OSHA for certain industries, but it’s a good practice for all businesses. Your safety plan should outline the procedures your company will follow to maintain a safe working environment. It includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard eliminations. You will learn the procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses. 

4. Provide Employee Training

One of the components that are taught in the OSHA certification process for employers is ensuring that your employees are properly trained. Training should be ongoing, and employees should be retrained whenever new equipment or procedures are introduced. OSHA  offers resources and materials that can help with training programs.

5. Establish a Hazard Communication Program

If your company uses any hazardous chemicals, you’re required to have a hazard communication program. It is to make sure workers are aware of the chemicals they’re exposed to and understand how to protect themselves. It should include a list of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Safety data sheets (SDS) that provides details for each chemical. You will also learn how to properly label containers.

Read More: What Is Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)?

6. Keep Records of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

OSHA requires most employers to maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Keeping accurate records helps identify trends and areas where safety can be improved. Employers must maintain the OSHA Form 300, which logs workplace injuries and illnesses. They must submit annual summaries of these records to OSHA. They should also report serious incidents (like fatalities or hospitalizations) within specific timeframes.

7. Perform Regular Safety Inspections

Regular safety inspections help identify potential problems before they lead to accidents or injuries. You can address hazards as soon as they arise if you be proactive. During inspections, make sure to check the condition of equipment and tools. Review employee practices to ensure they are following safety protocols. Ensure that safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and emergency exits, are easily accessible and functional.

8. Involve Employees in Safety Programs

Employee participation in safety programs can help create a strong safety culture. Employees who are involved are more likely to follow safety rules and report hazards. Some ways to involve employees include encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions. Offer incentives or recognition for employees who consistently follow safety protocols.

9. Stay Updated on OSHA Changes

OSHA regulations are subject to change, so you need to stay informed about updates or new rules. OSHA frequently updates standards to reflect new hazards, technology, and best practices. You can sign up for OSHA newsletters and updates. Attend webinars or training sessions provided by OSHA or industry-specific organizations. Hire a safety consultant to keep your company informed about regulatory changes.

10.  Maintain Clear Emergency Procedures

Every workplace should have clear procedures for emergencies, such as fires, medical incidents, or natural disasters. OSHA requires certain employers to have emergency action plans in place. Make sure that exit routes are clearly marked and accessible. Employees should know where to go and what to do during an emergency. Emergency contact information should also be readily available.

11.  Invest in Proper Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Ensure that all machinery, tools, and safety equipment are up to OSHA standards. Therefore, employers should regularly inspect equipment to ensure it’s working properly. They should provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, hard hats, and safety glasses. They should make sure that employees are trained on how to use the equipment properly.

12.  Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

As an employer, you have both rights and responsibilities under OSHA. You need to understand these so that you can properly protect your employees and your company. For example, you have the right to request an OSHA consultation without facing penalties. Employees have the right to a safe workplace, and they can file complaints with OSHA if they believe their safety is at risk.

Read more: 5 Simple Ways to Prepare for OSHA 10 Construction as a New Worker

Achieving Workplace Safety: How to Get OSHA Certified Matters

OSHA compliance in your company is not only essential for legal reasons but also for the safety and well-being of your employees. Start by offering OSHA 10 certification online to all workers to familiarize them with basic safety practices. Regularly updating safety policies, conducting frequent inspections, and providing ongoing training will maintain compliance. 

Assign a safety officer to monitor adherence to OSHA regulations and address any potential hazards swiftly. If you make safety a priority and learn how to become OSHA certified, you create a safer work environment and reduce the risks of fines or accidents.

References:

• https://www.bradyindia.co.in/resources/resources/osha-compliance

• https://a-otc.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-osha-compliant/

• https://pulpstream.com/resources/blog/osha-compliance