OSHA Updates Everyone Should Know

Did you know that 5,333 workers died on the job in 2019? On average, that's more than 100 workers per week. You must understand the Ohio Safety and Health Administration regulations as a business owner and employer. Each year (or more frequently), OSHA publishes a list of new rules to try and maintain a safe workplace for all.

Businesses have six months from release to adjust their safety plan to OSHA guidelines. Failure to follow the OSHA updates will result in heavy fines and sometimes legal action.

Are you a business owner who wants to make sure you act accordingly per the new OSHA regulations? Here's what you need to know about OSHA and its updates from 2022.

What Is OSHA?

In 1970 the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act was passed. They are striving to create safer and healthful working conditions. This act enforces standards that employers across the country must maintain. The OSH Act then allowed the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The goal of this department is to research, educate, and enforce safety regulations in the workplace.

One of the significant changes with the OSH Act of 1970 was enforcing what employers must disclose to their employees. For example, employers must identify all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. They also must provide training on how to handle them safely. Employers must also label all materials and train their employees to respond in an emergency.

OSHA also made sure that employers had a reporting system. This system reports injuries, fatalities, or significant losses of limbs. Also, employees are guaranteed protection equipment free of charge if necessary to complete the job. OSHA will protect employees from any repercussions if they get hurt.

OSHA also does great things to help employers keep their employees safe. They provide free on-site consultations. They want to ensure your safety and employees, so they are more than willing to help!

OSHA Updates

While COVID-19 has been a significant focus for the last two years, some other changes have been made to OSHA regulations. Some of these regulations only affect specific workplaces or certain states.

One new memo is the rule requiring that employers provide an electronic service for illness and injury records. An Injury Tracking Application (ITA) will help employers track their information and report to OSHA once a week. If an employer does not comply, fines and legal action will shortly follow.

The next update is protection for workers if another major outbreak happens. The Essential Protection Initiative (EPI) helped put multiple rules in place to protect the well-being of workers. For example, under this initiative, if employers cut hours due to COVID-19, that employee will be able to apply for assistance to help make ends meet.

This initiative doesn't guarantee employees full benefits, but it does allow employees to apply for help until they can get more hours.

Another update this year deals with the food production industry. Hundreds of injuries occur every week in food production, so this rule allows communities to schedule and complete inspections of these buildings to make sure they are safe.

Most Common OSHA Violations

For some people, knowing what other employers are doing wrong can help steer others in the right direction. Below are the top ten most frequently violated OSHA regulations:

1. Fall Protection (construction)
2. Respiratory Protection (general industry)
3. Ladders (construction)
4. Hazard Communication (general industry)
5. Scaffolding (construction)
6. Fall Protection Training (construction)
7. Control Of Hazardous Energy (general industry)
8. Eye and Face Protection (construction)
9. Powered Industrial Trucks (general industry)
10. Machinery and Machine Guarding (general industry)

A lot of the OSHA guidelines mentioned above involve construction. These work sites can be pretty dangerous, with hazards around every corner. Look into your safety rules and create a work environment that will protect your employees.

Training Employees

With OSHA updates coming out every passing year, you must keep your employees updated and compliant with the rules. But, how are you going to do that? Do you want to have staff meetings where you present the information? Or do you want to hire professionals who use online coursework to provide the information necessary?

Meetings in person will require a lot of planning on the employer's part, including meals or break times for food if the training is long enough. Wouldn't it be better to let your employers complete their training independently and at their own pace? Letting your employees take control of their learning will allow them to be in control of their speed and their comprehension.

If you use online training courses, you will have more flexibility and opportunities to touch on essential rules to ensure safety in the workplace. For example, Compliance Training Online will provide training courses on OSHA regulations, HAZMAT, Department of Transportation, Environment Protection Agency, etc.

Are You Ready?

OSHA regulations are being updated and changed every year; you must create a safe environment for your employees. To keep pace with the changing trends, use an online training platform that will present OSHA updates as various memos are released.

Each course completed will earn you certificates that can be used as proof for CEUs should you need them in your job place. Everything in the lessons is presented in an auditory and visual style so that every kind of learner can be successful!

OSHA will release updates as different issues come up, and you should be using the platform that will update you as they happen!

Contact Compliance Training Online now to get started!