When people buy a house, they are meticulous during the whole process from canvassing potential options and getting the services of conveyancing lawyers to purchasing furniture and decorations. Hiring experts for a top to bottom home inspection is also a necessary expense for the peace of mind that no mold, radon gasses, and other harmful substances are lurking behind the walls. A house, after all, is a big investment and serious financial commitment. A problem hiding beneath the surface can become a headache if it’s not avoided or solved during the early stages.
The same amount of care and thorough attention should be expended in ensuring the workplace is as safe as possible, given how the average person spends close to 90,000 hours at work. Sometimes, people see the four walls of their office more often than their houses. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Department of Labor is serious about imposing workplace health and safety standards in every company. The proper mechanisms should be followed to minimize any accidents, especially for labor-intensive industries.
Complaints of OSHA regulations jeopardizing competitiveness and the bottom line are only hearsays, being unfounded by research. According to a published journal article, prioritizing workplace safety came at no expense for a company’s employment prospects, sales or credit ratings. In fact, it brings advantages like increased worker’s happiness, better disaster preparedness, and reduction in avoidable injuries. Despite this, there are still firms who are committing the following violations:
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Safety rules are for show
You might have the most beautiful and slick-looking safety manual, but it’s not worth anything if the rules listed are not implemented and practiced by everyone. While there is wisdom to have a guidebook, everyone can use it as a reference, employees must also be briefed and trained on the standards of safety and discipline. OSHA will flag a violation of grievous negligence if both management and employees are not following guidelines that are established for their well-being.
Telling white lies during an inspection
When faced with intense questioning and confrontation, it might be tempting to tell white lies to get the situation over with. But the decision to twist the truth can prove unwise especially when the inspectors can find contrary evidence. It might even make the consequences worse because workplace violations can be remedied with paying fines and following recommendations, but falsifying statements is considered a felony.
Recordkeeping is inaccurate and all over the place
Information is power in today’s modern world, which is why a proper documentation system should be established. It ensures that everything is in its place and can easily be found when it is needed. An OSHA inspection can either be smooth or stressful, depending on the quality of documentation a firm has. One recommendation is to separate the 300 log and 301 forms from other company files such as marketing collateral and medical records.
Discouraging employees to raise safety issues
The best determiners to safety are the employees themselves, which is why OSHA puts a premium on hearing out their opinions and ensuring their participation. Companies, on the other hand, sometimes use intimidation tactics to quiet any complaints about safety issues, especially during an OSHA inspection. This strategy might work once or twice, but the truth will eventually come out as the problem continues to exist. Sooner or later, OSHA would become aware of what’s happening.
The regulations and standards enforced by OSHA help create a safe environment for everyone at work, protecting both the well-being of the management and employees. It is in everyone’s best interest to cultivate this culture of safety.
