As a business owner, you are obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees and anyone else who has any interaction with your company. In fact, safety is so important that business owners are required to follow the rules that have been established by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many small business owners assume that those rules apply only to large corporations; however, owners and operators of organizations of all sizes are required to comply with OSHA rules and regulations (the only exception is business that employ 10 or less employees, self-employed individuals, families who work on their own land, and organizations whose safety standards are regulated by a federal agency other than OSHA).
With that said, as a small business owner, it’s important that you adhere to the safety rules that are set forth by OSHA. In fact, even if your company is exempt from these rules, making sure that you are complaint with the following laws is still a good idea.
Develop and Maintain a Fire and Emergency Plan
Small business owners are required to establish and maintain an effective fire and emergency plan. The plan should include instructions that direct employees on the proper procedures to follow in the event that a fire or any other emergency, such as a flood, an earthquake, a severe storm, or any other hazardous event occurs, including:
- How to determine and report the emergency so others are made aware
- How to quickly and safely evacuate the building
- How to notify emergency personnel of the emergency
Additionally, small business owners must establish and maintain emergency exists, and those exits much be clearly marked and paths to access them are clear of obstructions. Professionals that are experienced and skilled in fire safety, such as a Fire Watch Company, can help small business owners establish effective plans that are OSHA-complaint.
Label and Manage Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances
Small businesses that have any chemical hazards and/or toxic substances on their premises must clearly label and manage these materials.
Chemical hazards and toxic substances are any materials that can cause physical injuries, such as flammables, explosives, irritants, and carcinogens. Some materials are obvious, such as chemicals and acids; however, others may not be so obvious. Glues, solvents, cleaning solutions, paints and paint thinners, gasses, oils, and pesticides can also be hazardous or toxic. These materials must be clearly marked and properly managed to avoid exposure that could cause injuries.
Access to First Aid Supplies
Small business owners must also provide their employees with access to first aid supplies. These supplies must be properly maintained and labeled, unused, and stored in locations where they can be easily accessed. The kit should also include items that are specific to the hazards employees are exposed to and injuries they could potentially sustain; for example, if employees could sustain burns, supplies that can be used to address burns should be readily available so that they can be administered before emergency medical care can be provided.
Slip and Fall Prevention
All surfaces that employees and anyone else walks on should be properly maintained to prevent slips and falls. For example, spills must be promptly cleaned up, proper signage must be placed on wet surfaces, cords and other hazards that could be tripped over must be out of the way, and floors, steps, and other surfaces that are walked on must be properly maintained, and if issues arise, they should be clearly marked until they can be corrected.
By following these OHSA rules, small business owners can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, as well as anyone else who accesses their premises.