work safety manual

OSHA recently cited a sprinkler company working in Andover Mass. for alleged violations that resulted in a 10′ fall on the job. The contractor faces $61,000 in proposed penalties while the employee recovers from alleged serious injuries.

It is unclear whether or not the contractor implemented a fall protection program or simply failed to enforce OSHA’s fall protection standard. As time goes by, contractors and small businesses are beginning to realize the effects of not having a company safety program.

A workplace safety manual is essential to achieving compliance and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for employees. However, too many companies still do not see the value of implementing such a manual. Achieving OSHA compliance and keeping workers safe is a daunting task.

Employers often perceive safety and compliance as an overwhelming burden and simply give up. However, there is a way to improve workplace conditions and reduce the possible fines that OSHA might propose. The first step is to establish a company security program manual that outlines the company’s security policies and procedures. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for everything the employer does regarding workplace safety. So if employers can’t afford to hire a full-time safety manager or safety consultant, they should do the following:

1. Write or purchase a basic workplace safety manual.

2. Adjust the manual to fit the needs of your company.

3. Prioritize the policies and procedures you want to implement.

4. Start each policy or procedure one by one.

5. Review the entire program annually and adjust as your operation changes.

If OSHA visits you, implementing a written workplace safety manual will show that you are making an effort to keep workers safe and will also reduce the number of potential OSHA citations.