Employers have a responsibility to their employees to provide a safe work environment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a workplace must be free from severe hazards to the employees.
If you own a company and want to ensure your business is OSHA compliant, see below for a brief overview of employer responsibilities. Consult with an attorney specializing in employment law to guarantee you do not have workplace liabilities.
Conduct an inspection
You should inspect your workplace according to OSHA standards before you allow employees to work at your business. Contact the United States Department of Labor and ask them about compliance if necessary.
Maintain equipment
Once you know your workplace follows OSHA standards, keep your equipment in proper condition and replace outdated tools. For instance, if your employers use a forklift, make sure it receives regular inspections and maintenance.
Properly train employees
You are not only responsible for the working environment of your employees, but their training as well. If you do not adequately train your workers on safe practices, you face liability even if the workplace meets OSHA standards. Update your safety procedures as needed, and make your employees aware of any changes.
Communicate employee rights
Finally, ensure that your employers know their rights and responsibilities. Ignorance is not an acceptable defense in the case of an accident. Your workers need to understand their protections under federal law.
You cannot prevent every accident in the workplace, but you can make your company as safe as possible. Work with OSHA representatives and follow their guidelines to provide a safe environment for your employees.
