A Quick Guide to OSHA Safety Standards

In America, approximately 13 workers die on the job daily. Two years ago, 4,764 workers died from on-site accidents or injuries. But there is some good news.

Since 2016, job-related deaths have decreased by approximately 400 annually. One way to improve employee safety is by adhering to OSHA safety standards. OSHA implements several courses and training that can prevent many injuries or illnesses.

The construction industry is heavily prone to accidents. Yet, even general employees can benefit from simple training. At Compliance Training Online, we have compiled a must-read article for you.

We will review OSHA safety standards for general, construction, and maritime industries. Keep reading on for more information!

What Is OSHA?

OSHA is an acronym for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It was created in 1970 and fell under the Department of Labor.

OSHA focuses on implementing rules and regulations for safe working conditions. It is also an acting organization for enforcing these standards and providing education. Primarily, OSHA covers private sector employees in all 50 states.

OSHA Safety Standards

Basic OSHA safety standards are rules that protect employees from various hazards.

There are four primary OSHA groups:

1. General
2. Construction
3. Maritime
4. Agriculture

General industry is arguably the most comprehensive. It includes rules and regulations regarding personal protective equipment, storage, walking pathways, and safe entry or exit points. General industry courses also include easily accessible fire extinguishers and maintaining equipment for safety.

Construction also includes fall protection, proper gear, and education on equipment usage. Here are some of the more frequently cited violations, including:

• Fall protection
• Respiratory
• Ladders
• Hazard communication
• Scaffolding
• Hazardous energy
• Eye/face protection
• Powered industrial trucks
• Machinery

Typically, before OSHA performs safety checks, they will provide the steps and education to fix common problems. Many of these can cause serious illness or injuries, and OSHA will write citations.

These citations or notices have a set date for fixing the issues. Willful or repeated violations are the most severe and can result in fines or legal issues.

General Safety Standards

General OSHA standards encompass several fields, including medical and dental. Other safety standards and courses review some of the following:

• Aerial boom lift
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Extreme temperatures
• Confined spaces
• Crude oil hazards
• Electrical safety
• Personal protective equipment (including eye and face protection)
• Firefighter safety
• Hazardous waste
• Hearing protection
• Chemical hazards
• Water safety
• Workplace first aid
• And more

The medical field is one of the fastest growing and expansive employment sectors. Since 2014, the annual growth rate has been around 7.3%. OSHA courses for medical and dental employees emphasize:

• Bloodborne pathogens
• Hazard communication
• Ionizing radiation
• Waste disposal
• Universal precautions
• Personal protective equipment
• Fire hazards
• Exits/entries
• Electrical safety

Office course bundles take a minimum of ten hours to complete. Most retraining required is for bloodborne pathogens.

This poses a significant risk for healthcare workers. Courses cover hazardous materials, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Regulations are in place for medical offices that employ more than two individuals.

Construction Safety Standards

OSHA training for construction workers emphasizes several job-site hazards. These include encounters with cranes, power tools, ladders, or confined spaces.

It also includes several of the training outlined for general workers, such as personal protective equipment. Here are some of the more common construction safety courses:

• Aerial boom lift
• Cold or heat stress
• Chemical hazards
• Electrical safety
• Fall and fire protection
• Cranes
• Forklifts
• Hearing protection
• Ladder or stairwell
• Trenching or excavation

For example, falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers. Training educates on fall prevention strategies. It also teaches you how to use the equipment correctly.

Courses help you design and implement protocols to protect yourself and your employees. Fall protection construction coursework reviews:

• Scaffolds
• Stairways
• Ladders
• Cranes
• Derricks

You can complete these workplace safety and employee training courses online. OSHA-approved sites like Compliance Training Online make it easier.

Through our online coursework, you can complete the class in as little as two hours. After initial training, these courses should continue with changes in employee operations.

Shipyard and Maritime Safety Standards

Typically, workers employed in the maritime industry have a higher risk for injury or death. This field encompasses shipyards, fishing, transport, and more.

OSHA regulations and safety courses highlight maritime law. They also include working in confined spaces, severe temperatures, and working conditions.

For example, cold stress is an environmental element that maritime workers could experience. Any employee exposed to extreme cold temperatures should be familiar with OSHA cold safety standards. Online OSHA requirements and training include:

• Contributing cold stress factors
• High-risk jobs
• Signs and stages of hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Preventive measures
• Emergency response
• And more

Other courses are specifically geared toward maritime chemical and hazard exposures. Toxic exposures could include gases, vapors, liquids, or solids. Course safety content encompasses:

• Marine terminals
• Hazardous cargo
• Welding
• Cutting
• Longshoring
• Ventilation

You will learn about health hazard types, entry routes, state regulations, and international codes. Completing the course online allows you to start and stop within your timeframe. It takes a minimum of two hours to complete, allowing you to pick up where you last left off.

Start Your Employee Training

OSHA safety standards help workers avoid preventable injuries, illness, or death. OSHA implements regulations and standards specific to the industry you work in. Whether you have exposure to bloodborne pathogens or extreme temperatures, coursework is critical for keeping you or your employees safe.

Rather than attend in-person training, online courses are more convenient and flexible with your schedule. Compliance Training Online has OSHA-approved courses for general, maritime, and construction industries.

You can receive your certification, continuing education, and training renewal options. To get started, visit our OSHA courses today!