Monday, July 8, 2024

OSHA Training Standards: Always Evolving

Established in 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) remains central to the improvement and implementation of workplace safety training. OSHA’s training standards—combined with the efforts of its state partners, compliant employers, unions, advocates, and safety/health professionals—have dramatically reduced injury and fatality rates through the years.

There is no doubt that OSHA standards—especially those for machine guarding, trenching, benzene, lead, asbestos, and bloodborne pathogens—have been instrumental in preventing countless work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses. And as more employers commit to OSHA excavation safety, the number of workplace fatalities is expected to fall even further. Keeping up with evolving regulations Just like technology, society, and even the weather, OSHA standards constantly evolve, too. They are always changing in response to new technologies and new ways of working. What was deemed ‘safe’ in the 1970’s may now very well be a violation. This is why continuing workplace safety training is absolutely necessary. OSHA training classes don’t just inform managers and workers about hazards and teach them how to work safely—it also provides them with a holistic understanding of workplace safety and health so that they can actively contribute to its implementation and development. It’s also important to continually adjust workplace regulations and practices to suit current demands and stay prepared for an OSHA inspection. Be sure to work with OSHA training and compliance experts who are knowledgeable in new regulations if you want to ensure that your workplace is safe and that you are not violating any laws. They can work as your advocate before, during, and after workplace inspections, giving you the assistance and the confidence you need. A good OSHA safety certification OSHA safety certification provider can create a custom preparation plan for your company and guide you through OSHA inspections. With their help, you can reduce your risk of having to pay steep fines, add predictability and safety to your workplace, prevent accidents and injuries, and potentially even implement changes that can reduce your insurance rates.