Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OSHA 2209-02R
2005
SELF-INSPECTION 17
Self-Inspection Scope 17
Self-Inspection Checklists 18
EMPLOYER POSTIN 18
RECORDKEEPIN 18
SAFETY AND HEALTH PRO RAM 18
MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID 19
FIRE PROTECTION 19
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHIN 20
ENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT 20
WALKWAYS 21
FLOOR AND WALL OPENIN S 21
STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS 22
ELEVATED SURFACES 22
EXITIN OR E RESS - EVACUATION 22
EXIT DOORS 23
PORTABLE LADDERS 23
HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 24
PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 24
ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT RINDERS 24
POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS 25
MACHINE UARDIN 25
LOCKOUT/TA OUT PROCEDURES 26
WELDIN , CUTTIN AND BRAZIN 27
COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR 28
COMPRESSORS/AIR RECEIVERS 28
COMPRESSED AS CYLINDERS 29
HOIST AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT 29
INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS - FORKLIFTS 29
SPRAYIN OPERATIONS 30
ENTERIN CONFINED SPACES 30
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 31
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 32
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE 33
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES COMMUNICATION 34
ELECTRICAL 35
NOISE 37
FUELIN 37
IDENTIFICATION OF PIPIN SYSTEMS 37
MATERIALS HANDLIN 38
TRANSPORTIN EMPLOYEES AND MATERIALS 38
CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES BY VENTILATION 38
SANITIZIN EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHIN 39
TIRE INFLATION 39
to those who need it. There are tuition fees for pri- If you would like to receive regular updates
vate sector students. For more information about from OSHA about new programs, tools, best prac-
OSHA’s Training Institute, OSHA’s education cen- tices and other useful information, subscribe to the
ters, or to obtain training catalogs with course agency’s e-news memo, QuickTakes. QuickTakes is
schedules, write the OSHA Training Institute, 2020 issued twice monthly to subscribers and is always
South Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL available online. You can subscribe to OSHA’s
60005 or call (847) 297-4810. The information is QuickTakes at www.osha.gov.
also fully accessible on the Internet at
www.osha.gov. Safety and Health Add Value
ing successes of the participants. Several pages smaller expenditures for return-to-work
ance assistance tools, including expert advisors lower costs for job accommodations for
links. Quick Start is another tool on OSHA’s better use of human resources.
Through its website, OSHA invites citizens to e- their family lives are not hindered by injury;
mail questions that can be routed to appropriate their stress is not increased.
As you review this publication, we encourage Ensure that you, your managers and your
you to use the Action Plan Worksheet in Appendix supervisors follow all safety requirements that
A to jot down the things you want to do to make apply to all employees, even if you are only in
your workplace safe for your employees. Noting an area briefly. If, for instance, you require a
those actions as you go along will make it easier hard hat, safety glasses and/or safety shoes in
to assemble the total plan you need. an area, wear them yourself when you are in
that area.
MANA EMENT COMMITMENT AND
EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT Take advantage of your employees’ special-
As the owner or manager of a small business, ized knowledge and encourage them to buy
your attitude toward job safety and health will be into the program by having them make in-
reflected by your employees. If you are not inter- spections, conduct safety training, or investi-
ested in preventing employee injury and illness, gate accidents.
your employees will probably not give safety and
health much thought either. Make clear assignments of responsibility for
Therefore, it is essential that you demonstrate at every part of your safety and health program,
all times your personal concern for employee safety and make sure everyone understands them.
and health, and the priority you place on them in The more people who are involved, the better.
your workplace. Your policy must be clear. Only you A good rule of thumb is to assign safety and
can show its importance through your own actions. health responsibilities in the same way you
You can demonstrate the depth of your commit- assign production responsibilities. Make it a
ment by involving your employees in planning and special part of everyone’s job to work safely.
carrying out your efforts. If you seriously involve
your employees in identifying and resolving safety ive those with safety and health responsibili-
and health problems, they will bring their unique ty enough people, time, training, money and
insights and energy to achieving the goals and authority to get the job done.
objectives of your program. The men and women
who work for you are among the most valuable Don’t forget your safety and health program
after you make assignments; make sure the ards. The checklists (at pages 18-39) provide a
job gets done. Recognize and reward those starting point. Your state consultant can assist
who do well and correct those who don’t. you in establishing an effective system.
At least once a year, review what you have Make sure your employees feel comfortable in
accomplished in meeting your objectives and alerting you or another member of manage-
reevaluate whether you need new objectives ment when they see things that look danger-
or program revisions. ous or out of place.
Institute an accountability system where all Learn how to conduct a thorough investiga-
personnel will be held accountable for not fol- tion when things go wrong. This will help you
lowing work rules designed to promote work- develop ways to prevent recurrences. Exten-
place safety and health. sive information can be found on OSHA’s
website under “Accident Investigation” in the
WORKSITE ANALYSIS index.
It is your responsibility to know what items or
substances you have in your workplace that could Review several years of injury or illness rec-
hurt your workers. Worksite analysis is a group of ords to identify patterns that can help you
processes that helps you make sure that you know devise strategies to improve your safety and
what you need to keep your workers safe. For help health program. Periodically review several
in getting started with these processes, you can call months of experience to determine if any new
on your state on-site Consultation Program and patterns are developing.
have an experienced health and safety professional
visit your workplace for free and confidentially. HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Locations for each state are listed on OSHA’s web- Once you have identified your existing and
site. Also, OSHA’s booklet, Job azard Analysis, potential hazards, you are ready to implement the
may be helpful. (See OSHA Publications at page systems that prevent or control those hazards.
42 for ordering information.) Your state Consultation Program can help you do
Here are some actions to consider: this. Whenever possible, hazards should be elimi-
nated. Sometimes that can be done through sub-
Request a consultation visit from your state stitution of a less toxic material or engineering con-
on-site Consultation Program covering both trols. When you cannot eliminate hazards, systems
safety and health to get a full survey of the should be established to control them.
hazards that exist in your workplace and those Here are some actions to consider:
that could develop. You can also contract for
such services from expert private consultants Set up safe work procedures based on an
if you prefer. analysis of the hazards in your workplace and
ensure that employees understand and follow
Establish a way to get professional advice them. It is a good idea to involve employees
when you make changes to procedures or in the analysis that results in those procedures.
equipment, to ensure that the changes are not (See Appendix C, Codes of Safe Practices.)
introducing new hazards into your workplace.
Find ways to keep current on newly recog- Be ready to enforce the rules for safe work
nized hazards in your industry. procedures. Ask your employees to help you
establish a disciplinary system that will be fair
Periodically review with employees each job, and understood by everyone.
analyzing it step-by-step to see if there are any
hidden hazards in the equipment or procedures. Where necessary, ensure that personal protec-
tive equipment (PPE) is used and that your em-
Set up a self-inspection system to check your ployees know why they need it, how to use it
hazard controls and evaluate any new haz- and how to maintain it.
Provide for regular equipment maintenance to first aid. First-aid supplies must be readily
prevent breakdowns that can create hazards. available for emergency use. Arrangements
Ensure that preventive and regular mainte- for this training can be made through your
nance are tracked to completion. local Red Cross chapter, your insurance carri-
er, your local safety council, and others.
Plan for emergencies, including fire and natu-
ral disasters. Conduct frequent drills to en- Check battery charging stations, maintenance
sure that all employees know what to do operations, laboratories, heating and ventilat-
under stressful conditions. ing operations and any corrosive materials
areas to make sure the required eyewash facil-
Ask your state consultant to help develop a ities and showers are operational.
medical program that fits your worksite. In-
volve nearby doctors and emergency facilities Consider retaining a local doctor or an occu-
by inviting them to visit your workplace and pational health nurse on a part-time or as-
help you plan the best way to avoid injuries needed basis for advice on medical and first
and illness during emergency situations. aid planning.
Ensure the ready availability of medical per- TRAININ FOR EMPLOYEES, SUPERVISORS
sonnel for advice and consultation on matters AND MANA ERS
of employee health. This does not mean that An effective accident prevention program re-
you must provide health care, but you must quires proper job performance from everyone in
be prepared to deal with medical emergencies the workplace.
or health problems connected to your work- As an owner or manager, you must ensure that
place. all employees know about the materials and equip-
ment they work with, known hazards and how to
To fulfill the above requirements, consider the control the hazards.
following: Each employee needs to know that:
• no employee is expected to undertake a job
Develop an emergency medical procedure to until he or she has received job instructions
handle injuries, transport ill or injured workers on how to do it properly and is authorized to
and notify medical facilities. Posting emer- perform that job. Also,
gency numbers is a good idea. • no employee should undertake a job that
appears unsafe.
Survey the medical facilities near your place You may be able to combine safety and health
of business and make arrangements for them training with other training, depending upon the
to handle routine and emergency cases. Co- types of hazards in your workplace.
operative agreements may be possible with Here are some actions to consider:
nearby larger workplaces that have on-site
medical personnel and/or facilities. Ask your state consultant to recommend train-
ing for your worksite. The consultant may be
Ensure that your procedure for reporting able to conduct training while he or she is
injuries and illnesses is understood by all there.
employees.
Make sure you have trained your employees
Perform routine walkthroughs of the worksite on every potential hazard that they could be
to identify hazards and to track identified haz- exposed to and how to protect themselves.
ards until they are corrected. Then verify that they really understand what
you taught them.
If your business is remote from medical facili-
ties, you are required to ensure that adequate- Pay particular attention to your new employ-
ly trained personnel are available to render ees and to employees who are moving to new
incidents, including those where no injury or illness EXPOSURE RECORDS AND OTHERS
resulted. This information may assist you in pin- In addition to injury/illness records, certain
pointing unsafe conditions and/or procedures. OSHA standards require records on the exposure
Safety councils, insurance carriers and others can of employees to toxic substances and hazardous
assist you in instituting such a system. exposures, physical examination reports and
The employer is required to report to OSHA employment records.
within eight hours of the accident, all work-related As you identify hazards, you will be able to
fatalities or multiple hospitalizations that involve determine whether these requirements apply to
three or more employees. your workplace. Your records should be used in
Even if your business is exempt from routine conjunction with your control procedures and with
recordkeeping requirements, you may be selected your self-inspection activity. They should not be
by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or considered merely as bookkeeping.
a related state agency for inclusion in an annual
sample survey. You will receive a letter directly from
the agency with instructions, if you are selected.
Standards are the regulations that OSHA uses vey should focus on evaluating workplace condi-
to inspect for compliance and should be the tions with respect to safety and health regulations
baseline for your inspections in determining and generally recognized safe and healthful work
what to do when hazards are identified. Most practices. It should include checking on the use of
businesses fall under OSHA’s eneral Industry any hazardous materials, observing employee work
Standards. If you are involved with construc- habits and practices, and discussing safety and
tion or maritime operations, you will need the health problems with employees. See the Self-
standards that apply to these classifications. Inspection Checklists (at pages 18-39), to help you
(In states with state-run occupational safety get a good start on creating this initial survey.
and health programs, use the appropriate
state standards.) 2. The second major activity is to assess your
existing safety and health program and identify
Recordkeeping requirements and the neces- areas that work well and those that need improve-
sary forms. ment. You should gather as much information as
you can that relates to safety and health manage-
Occupational Safety and ealth Act of 1970. ment in your workplace. You should include the
You may want a copy of this legislation for following in this review:
reference.
Safety and health activities. Examine ongoing
Organize the Workplace activities as well as those tried previously,
company policy statements, rules (both work
Poor housekeeping can contribute to low and safety), guidelines for proper work prac-
morale and sloppy work. Most safety action pro- tices and procedures, and records of training
grams start with an intensive cleanup campaign in programs.
all areas of the workplace.
et rid of unecessary items; provide proper Equipment. List your major equipment, what
waste containers; store flammables properly; make it is used for and where it is located. Special
sure exits are not blocked; mark aisles and pas- attention should be given to inspection sched-
sageways; provide adequate lighting, etc. ules, maintenance activities, and plant and
et everyone involved and impress upon em- office layouts.
ployees that you want to make your workplace
safer, more healthful and more efficient. Employee capabilities. Make an alphabetical
list of all employees, showing the date hired,
Start athering Specific Facts their job descriptions, and experience and
About Your Situation training.
Before making changes in your safety and Accident and injury/illness history. Review
health operations, you should gather information first-aid cases and workers’ compensation
about the current conditions and business practices insurance payments and awards, and review
that comprise your safety and health program. your losses. Compare your insurance rate
This information can help you identify problems with others in your group. ive special atten-
and determine what is needed to solve them. tion to recurring accidents, types of injuries,
Your workplace assessment should be conduct- etc.
ed by the person responsible for your safety and
health management system and/or a professional After gathering facts, see if any major problem
safety and health consultant. The assessment con- areas emerge such as interruptions in your normal
sists of two major activities: operations, too many employees taking too much
time off due to illness or injury, too many damaged
1. A comprehensive safety and health survey of products, etc. eneral help with this kind of prob-
your entire facility will identify any existing or lem identification can often be obtained from com-
potential safety and health hazards. This initial sur- pensation carriers, local safety councils, trade asso-
ciations, state agencies, major suppliers or similar- Establish and regularly conduct a worksite
ly situated businesses in the same industry. analysis. A successful safety and health program
If you discover a major problem, see what can depends on an accurate identification of all the haz-
be done to solve it. Once a problem is identified, ards and potential hazards in your workplace. This
you can work on the corrective action or a plan to is an ongoing process that includes routine self-
control the problem. Take immediate action and inspections.
make a record of what you have done. Even if you Create systems and procedures to prevent and
find no major problems, don’t stop there. Now it is control hazards identified through your worksite
time to develop a comprehensive safety and health analysis. OSHA standards can be helpful because
program to avoid any major problems in the future. they address controls in order of effectiveness and
preference. The hierarchy of controls is engineer-
Establish a Four-Point Safety and ing, administrative, work practice and PPE. When-
Health Program ever feasible, engineering, administrative or work
practice controls should be instituted even if they
The success of any workplace safety and health do not eliminate the hazard or reduce exposure.
program depends on careful planning. This means Use of such controls in conjunction with PPE will
that you must take the time to analyze what you help reduce the hazard or exposure to the lowest
want to accomplish and develop an action plan in practical level. Where no standard exists, creative
order to attain your goals. From this standpoint, problem-solving and consultant resources may
you can design a step-by-step process to take you help you create effective controls. The basic for-
from the idea stage to an effective safety and mula for controlling workplace hazards, in order of
health management system. preference, includes:
The best way to create a safe and healthful
workplace is to institute the Four-Point Program Eliminating the hazard from the machine, the
discussed at page 8 of this handbook. method, the material or the facility.
Establish your management commitment and
involve your employees. No safety and health Abating the hazard by limiting exposure or
program will work without this commitment and controlling it at its source.
involvement. The first step is to designate a person to
be responsible for your safety and health program. Training personnel to be aware of the hazard
Involve your employees as widely as possible and to follow safe work procedures to avoid it.
from the beginning. They are most in contact with
the potential and actual safety and health hazards Prescribing PPE for protecting employees
at your worksite and will have constructive input against the hazard and ensuring that they not
on the development of your program. The ultimate only use it, but that they know how to use it
success of your safety and health program will correctly.
depend on their support.
Make sure your program assigns responsibility Establish and provide ongoing training for
and accountability to all employees in your organi- employees, supervisors and managers to ensure
zation. A good safety and health program makes it that everyone at your worksite can recognize haz-
clear that each and every employee, from you ards and how to control them.
through the supervisory levels to the line worker, These points are crucial to a safe and healthful
carries responsibility for his or her part of the pro- workplace for you and your employees, making it
gram. Make safety and health duties clear and more difficult for accidents to occur and for work-
hold every individual accountable for his or her related health problems to develop.
safety- and health-related duties.
Refer to the recommended actions to take in the Develop and Implement Your Action Plan
Worksite Analysis paragraph at page 9. These will
help start your program off on the right track. You Developing an action plan to build a safety and
will be building the foundation for a successful health program around the four points can serve as
safety and health program. a “road map” to take your program to where you
want it to be. An action plan tells you what has to Remember, a safety and health program is a plan
be done, the logical order in which to do it, who is put into practice. Keep your program on track by
responsible and where you want to be when you periodically checking its progress and by calling on
finish. It describes problems and solutions, but is a state consultant when you need assistance.
not ironclad. An action plan can and should be Any good management system requires period-
changed to correspond with changes in the work- ic review. Take a careful look at each component of
place. your safety and health program to determine what
A good action plan has two parts: is working well and what changes are needed.
Once again, a state consultant can assist you in this
1. A list of major changes or improvements to area. Any necessary improvements can be turned
make your safety and health program effective. into new safety and health objectives for the com-
Each item should be prioritized, have a target date ing year. Developing new action plans to imple-
for completion and identify who is responsible for ment these improvements will continue progress
implementation. toward an effective safety and health program,
reduce your safety and health risks, and increase
2. A specific plan to implement each major change efficiency and profit.
or improvement, including what you want to Remember that it is important to document
accomplish, the steps required, who will be your activities. The best way to evaluate the suc-
assigned to do what and a schedule for comple- cess of your safety and health program is to have
tion. documentation of what you have done, which pro-
vides guidance on how you can make it work even
A worksheet to help you design an overall better.
action plan and describe specific action steps Technical assistance may be available to you as
appears in Appendix A. a small business owner or manager through your
Once a plan is established, put it into action, insurance carrier; your fellow businesspeople; sup-
beginning with the highest priority item. Ensure pliers of your durable equipment and raw materi-
that it is realistic, manageable and addresses the als; the local safety council; and many local, state
steps you have planned for that item. A detailed and Federal agencies, including the state on-site
description of the steps required will help you keep Consultation Programs and closest OSHA Area
track of your progress. Keep in mind that you can Office.
work on more than one item at a time and that pri- Establishing a quality safety and health man-
orities may change as other needs are identified or agement system will take time and involve some
as your company’s resources change. resources, but you should be pleased with the
Open communication with your employees is results. Employees will feel reassured because of
crucial to the success of your efforts. Their cooper- your commitment to their safety and health on the
ation depends on them understanding what the job. You may save money through increased pro-
safety and health program is all about, why it is ductivity and reduced workers’ compensation in-
important to them and how it affects their work. surance costs. You may gain increased respect in
The more you do to involve them in the changes you your community. The tangible and intangible re-
are making, the smoother your transition will be. wards for a solid safety and health program far
Putting your action plan into operation at your outweigh the cost of an accident, injury or work-
workplace will be a major step toward implement- place fatality.
ing an effective safety and health program.
The most widely accepted way to identify haz- Building and rounds Conditions – floors,
ards is to conduct safety and health inspections walls, ceilings, exits, stairs, walkways, ramps,
because the only way to be certain of an actual sit- platforms, driveways, aisles.
uation is to look at it directly from time to time.
Begin a program of self-inspection in your own Housekeeping Program – waste disposal,
workplace. Self-inspection is essential if you are to tools, objects, materials, leakage and spillage,
know where probable hazards exist and whether cleaning methods, schedules, work areas,
they are under control. remote areas, storage areas.
This section includes checklists designed to
assist you in self-inspection fact-finding. The Electricity – equipment, switches, breakers,
checklists can give you some indication of where to fuses, switch-boxes, junctions, special fixtures,
begin taking action to make your business safer circuits, insulation, extensions, tools, motors,
and more healthful for all of your employees. grounding, national electric code compliance.
These checklists are by no means all-inclusive
and not all of the checklists will apply to your busi- Lighting – type, intensity, controls, conditions,
ness. You might want to start by selecting the diffusion, location, glare and shadow control.
areas that are most critical to your business, then
expanding your self-inspection checklists over time Heating and Ventilation – type, effectiveness,
to fully cover all areas that pertain to your busi- temperature, humidity, controls, natural and
ness. Remember that a checklist is a tool to help, artificial ventilation and exhausting.
not a definitive statement of what is mandatory.
Use checklists only for guidance. Machinery – points of operation, flywheels,
Don’t spend time with items that have no appli- gears, shafts, pulleys, key ways, belts, cou-
cation to your business. Make sure that each item plings, sprockets, chains, frames, controls,
is seen by you or your designee and leave nothing lighting for tools and equipment, brakes, ex-
to memory or chance. Write down what you see or hausting, feeding, oiling, adjusting, mainte-
don’t see and what you think you should do about it. nance, lockout/tagout, grounding, work space,
Add information from your completed checklists location, purchasing standards.
to injury information, employee information, and
process and equipment information to build a Personnel – training, including hazard identifi-
foundation to help you determine what problems cation training; experience; methods of check-
exist. Then, as you use the OSHA standards in ing machines before use; type of clothing;
your problem-solving process, it will be easier for PPE; use of guards; tool storage; work prac-
you to determine the actions needed to solve these tices; methods for cleaning, oiling, or adjust-
problems. ing machinery.
Once the hazards have been identified, insti-
tute the control procedures described at page 9 Hand and Power Tools – purchasing stan-
and establish your four-point safety and health dards, inspection, storage, repair, types, main-
program. tenance, grounding, use and handling.
IsProtection
the required OSHA Job Safety and Health
Poster displayed in a prominent loca-
and health program elements as well as the
management of hazards specific to your work-
tion where all employees are likely to see it? site?
Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly with Are hard hats periodically inspected for dam-
age to the shell and suspension system?
this noted on the inspection tag?
Iffound,
hazards or the likelihood of hazards are Are food or beverages consumed only in areas
where there is no exposure to toxic material,
are employers selecting appropriate
blood, or other potentially infectious materials?
and properly fitted PPE suitable for protection
from these hazards and ensuring that affected
employees use it?
Isal protection against the effects of occupation-
noise provided when sound levels exceed
those of the OSHA Noise standard?
Have both the employer and the employees
been trained on PPE procedures, i.e., what PPE
is necessary for job tasks, when workers need
Are adequate work procedures, PPE and other
equipment provided and used when cleaning
it, and how to properly wear and adjust it? up spilled hazardous materials?
Are employees who wear corrective lenses Are all worksites clean, sanitary and orderly?
(glasses or contacts) in workplaces with harm-
ful exposures required to wear only approved Are work surfaces kept dry and appropriate
means taken to assure the surfaces are slip-
safety glasses, protective goggles, or use other resistant?
medically approved precautionary proce-
dures? Are all spilled hazardous materials or liquids,
including blood and other potentially infec-
Are protective gloves, aprons, shields, or other
means provided and required where employ-
tious materials, cleaned up immediately and
according to proper procedures?
ees could be cut or where there is reasonably
anticipated exposure to corrosive liquids,
chemicals, blood, or other potentially infec-
Isstored
combustible scrap, debris and waste
safely and removed from the worksite
tious materials? See the OSHA Bloodborne promptly?
IsBloodborne
all regulated waste, as defined in the OSHA
Pathogens standard (29 CFR
Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?
1910.1030), discarded according to Federal, Are changes of direction or elevations readily
identifiable?
state and local regulations?
Are accumulations of combustible dust rou- Are aisles or walkways that pass near moving
or operating machinery, welding operations,
tinely removed from elevated surfaces includ-
or similar operations arranged so employees
ing the overhead structure of buildings, etc.?
will not be subjected to potential hazards?
Issystem
combustible dust cleaned up with a vacuum
to prevent suspension of dust particles Islength
adequate headroom provided for the entire
of any aisle or walkway?
in the environment?
Isentering
metallic or conductive dust prevented from Are standard guardrails provided wherever
aisle or walkway surfaces are elevated more
or accumulating on or around electri-
than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) above any
cal enclosures or equipment?
adjacent floor or the ground?
Are covered metal waste cans used for oily or
paint-soaked waste? Are bridges provided over conveyors and sim-
ilar hazards?
Are all oil and gas-fired devices equipped with
flame failure controls to prevent flow of fuel if FLOOR AND WALL OPENIN S
pilots or main burners are not working?
Are paint spray booths, dip tanks, etc., cleaned Are floor openings guarded by a cover, a
guardrail, or equivalent on all sides (except at
regularly? stairways or ladder entrances)?
Are the minimum number of toilets and wash-
ing facilities provided and maintained in a Are toeboards installed around the edges of
permanent floor openings where persons may
clean and sanitary fashion? pass below the opening?
Are all work areas adequately illuminated? Are skylight screens able to withstand a load
Are pits and floor openings covered or other- of at least 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms)?
wise guarded?
Isetc.,thesubject
glass in windows, doors, glass walls,
Have all confined spaces been evaluated for
compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146? (Permit-
to possible human impact, of suf-
ficient thickness and type for the condition of
required confined spaces.) use?
Are wet surfaces covered with non-slip mate- Are unused portions of service pits and pits
not in use either covered or protected by
rials?
guardrails or equivalent?
Are holes in the floor, sidewalk, or other walk-
ing surface repaired properly, covered, or oth- Are manhole covers, trench covers and similar
covers, and their supports designed to carry a
erwise made safe?
truck rear axle load of at least 20,000 pounds
Is there safe clearance for walking in aisles
where motorized or mechanical handling
(9,072 kilograms) when located in roadways
and subject to vehicle traffic?
equipment is operating?
Do stairs angle no more than 50 and no less Are all elevated surfaces beneath which peo-
ple or machinery could be exposed to falling
than 30 degrees?
objects provided with standard 4-inch (10.16-
Are stairs of hollow-pan type treads and land-
ings filled to the top edge of the pan with solid
centimeter) toeboards?
material? Isprovided
a permanent means of access and egress
to elevated storage and work sur-
Are step risers on stairs uniform from top to
bottom?
faces?
Are all exits kept free of obstructions? Where panic hardware is installed on a
required exit door, will it allow the door to
Are at least two means of egress provided
from elevated platforms, pits, or rooms where
open by applying a force of 15 pounds (6.80
kilograms) or less in the direction of the exit
the absence of a second exit would increase
traffic?
the risk of injury from hot, poisonous, corro-
sive, suffocating, flammable, or explosive sub-
stances?
Are doors on cold storage rooms provided
with an inside release mechanism that will
release the latch and open the door even if the
Are there sufficient exits to permit prompt
escape in case of emergency?
door is padlocked or otherwise locked on the
outside?
Are special precautions taken to protect
employees during construction and repair Where exit doors open directly onto any
street, alley, or other area where vehicles may
operations?
be operated, are adequate barriers and warn-
Is the number of exits from each floor of a
building and the number of exits from the
ings provided to prevent employees from
stepping into the path of traffic?
building itself appropriate for the building
occupancy load? Are doors that swing in both directions and
are located between rooms where there is fre-
Are exit stairways that are required to be sepa-
rated from other parts of a building enclosed
quent traffic provided with viewing panels in
each door?
by at least 2-hour fire-resistive construction in
buildings more than four stories in height, and PORTABLE LADDERS
not less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction
elsewhere? Are all ladders maintained in good condition,
joints between steps and side rails tight, all
Where ramps are used as part of required exit-
ing from a building, is the ramp slope limited
hardware and fittings securely attached, and
moveable parts operating freely without bind-
to 1 foot (0.3048 meter) vertical and 12 feet
ing or undue play?
(3.6576 meters) horizontal?
Where exiting will be through frameless glass Are non-slip safety feet provided on each metal
or rung ladder, and are ladder rungs and steps
doors, glass exit doors, storm doors, etc., are
free of grease and oil?
the doors fully tempered and meet the safety
requirements for human impact? Are employees prohibited from placing a lad-
der in front of doors opening toward the lad-
EXIT DOORS der unless the door is blocked open, locked, or
guarded?
Are doors that are required to serve as exits
designed and constructed so that the path of Are employees prohibited from placing lad-
ders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases
exit travel is obvious and direct?
to obtain additional height?
Are windows that could be mistaken for exit
doors made inaccessible by means of barriers Are employees required to face the ladder
when ascending or descending?
or railings?
Are exit doors able to be opened from the Are employees prohibited from using ladders
that are broken, have missing steps, rungs, or
direction of exit travel without the use of a key
cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty equip-
or any special knowledge or effort when the
ment?
building is occupied?
Ishibited
a revolving, sliding, or overhead door pro- Are employees instructed not to use the top
step of ordinary stepladders as a step?
from serving as a required exit door?
Are employees instructed to only adjust exten- Are power tools used with proper shields,
guards, or attachments, as recommended by
sion ladders while standing at a base (not the manufacturer?
while standing on the ladder or from a posi-
tion above the ladder)? Are portable circular saws equipped with
guards above and below the base shoe?
Are metal ladders inspected for damage? Are circular saw guards checked to ensure that
Are the rungs of ladders uniformly spaced at
12 inches (30.48 centimeters) center to center?
they are not wedged up, leaving the lower
portion of the blade unguarded?
Isgrinder
the adjustable tongue on the top side of the
used and kept adjusted to within 1/4
Are powder-actuated tools inspected for ob-
structions or defects each day before use?
inch (0.6350 centimeters) of the wheel?
Do powder-actuated tool operators have and
Do side guards cover the spindle, nut and
flange and 75 percent of the wheel diameter?
use appropriate PPE such as hard hats, safety
goggles, safety shoes and ear protectors?
Israting
the maximum revolutions per minute (rpm)
of each abrasive wheel compatible with
Isemployees
there adequate supervision to ensure that
are following safe machine operat-
the rpm rating of the grinder motor? ing procedures?
Ifremoving
special hand tools are used for placing and
material, do they protect the opera-
Does the lockout procedure require that stored
energy (mechanical, hydraulic, air, etc.) be re-
tor’s hands? leased or blocked before equipment is locked
out for repairs?
Are revolving drums, barrels and containers
guarded by an enclosure that is interlocked
with the drive mechanism so that revolution
Are appropriate employees provided with indi-
vidually keyed personal safety locks?
cannot occur unless the guard enclosure is in
place? Are employees required to keep personal con-
trol of their key(s) while they have safety locks
Do arbors and mandrels have firm and secure
bearings, and are they free from play?
in use?
Isment
all machinery or equipment capable of move-
required to be de-energized or disengaged
out and tagged, is a safe job procedure
established and rigidly followed?
and blocked or locked out during cleaning, serv-
icing, adjusting, or setting up operations?
Isders,
care used in handling and storage of cylin-
safety valves, relief valves, etc., to pre-
Under wet conditions, are automatic controls
for reducing no-load voltage used?
vent damage?
Isground
grounding of the machine frame and safety
Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture
of air or oxygen with flammable gases, except
connections of portable machines
checked periodically?
at a burner or in a standard torch?
Are electrodes removed from the holders
Are only approved apparatuses (torches, regu-
lators, pressure reducing valves, acetylene
when not in use?
unless they are secured on special trucks? Are fire watchers assigned when welding or
cutting is performed in locations where a seri-
Do cylinders without fixed wheels have keys,
handles, or non-adjustable wrenches on stem
ous fire might develop?
valves when in service? Are combustible floors kept wet, covered with
damp sand, or protected by fire-resistant
Are liquefied gases stored and shipped valve-
end up with valve covers in place?
shields?
mendations? Isvalve
the total relieving capacity of the safety
able to prevent pressure in the receiver
Are safety devices on compressed air systems
checked frequently?
from exceeding the maximum allowable work-
ing pressure of the receiver by more than 10
percent?
Before a compressor’s pressure system is re-
paired, is the pressure bled off and the system
locked out?
Isandevery air receiver provided with a drain pipe
valve at the lowest point for the removal
of accumulated oil and water?
Are signs posted to warn of the automatic
starting feature of the compressors?
Are compressed air receivers periodically
drained of moisture and oil?
Isvidetheprotection
belt drive system totally enclosed to pro-
sides?
for the front, back, top and
Are all safety valves tested at regular intervals
to determine whether they are in good operat-
ing condition?
Are employees strictly prohibited from direct-
ing compressed air towards a person?
Is there a current operating permit?
Are employees prohibited from using highly
compressed air for cleaning purposes?
Iskeptthefree
inlet of air receivers and piping systems
of accumulated oil and carbonaceous
materials?
When compressed air is used to clean clothing,
are employees trained to reduce the pressure to
less than 10 pounds per square inch (psi)?
COMPRESSED AS CYLINDERS
Isandthevisible
rated load of each hoist legibly marked
Are cylinders with a water weight capacity
over 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) equipped
to the operator?
with a means to connect a valve protector Are stops provided at the safe limits of travel
for trolley hoists?
device, or with a collar or recess to protect
the valve? Are the controls of hoists plainly marked to
indicate the direction of travel or motion?
Are cylinders legibly marked to clearly identify
the type of gas? Iseffective
each cage-controlled hoist equipped with an
warning device?
Are compressed gas cylinders stored in areas
protected from external heat sources such as Are close-fitting guards or other suitable de-
flame impingement, intense radiant heat, elec- vices installed on each hoist to ensure that
tric arcs, or high-temperature lines? hoist ropes will be maintained in the sheave
grooves?
Are cylinders located or stored in areas where
they will not be damaged by passing or falling Are all hoist chains or ropes long enough to
objects or subject to tampering by unautho- handle the full range of movement of the
rized persons? application while maintaining two full wraps
around the drum at all times?
Are cylinders stored or transported in a man-
ner to prevent them from creating a hazard by Are guards provided for nip points or contact
tipping, falling, or rolling? points between hoist ropes and sheaves per-
manently located within 7 feet (2.1336 meters)
Are cylinders containing liquefied fuel gas
stored or transported in a position so that the
of the floor, ground, or working platform?
Islimiteachdevice
overhead electric hoist equipped with a Istrialdirectional lighting provided on each indus-
truck that operates in an area with less
to stop the hook at its highest and than 2 footcandles per square foot of general
lowest point of safe travel? lighting?
Will each hoist automatically stop and hold
any load up to 125 percent of its rated load if Does each industrial truck have a warning
horn, whistle, gong, or other device that can
its actuating force is removed? be clearly heard above normal noise in the
areas where it is operated?
Are trucks in need of repair removed from Are the electric motors for exhaust fans placed
outside booths or ducts?
service immediately?
SPRAYIN OPERATIONS
Are belts and pulleys inside the booth fully
enclosed?
Isingadequate ventilation provided before spray- Do ducts have access doors to allow cleaning?
operations are started?
Do all drying spaces have adequate ventilation?
Isingmechanical ventilation provided when spray-
operations are performed in enclosed areas? ENTERIN CONFINED SPACES
Isvegetation
each confined space checked for decaying
Are appropriate atmospheric tests performed
to check for oxygen deficiency, toxic sub-
or animal matter which may pro-
duce methane?
stances and explosive concentrations in the
confined space before entry? Isindustrial
the confined space checked for possible
waste which could contain toxic
Isto adequate illumination provided for the work
be performed in the confined space?
properties?
Ifareas
the confined space is below ground and near
Isfrequently
the atmosphere inside the confined space
tested or continuously monitored
where motor vehicles will be operating,
is it possible for vehicle exhaust or carbon
during work? monoxide to enter the space?
Isemployee
there a trained and equipped standby
positioned outside the confined
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
Isandliquefied petroleum gas stored, handled Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable
or combustible liquids at the point of use?
used in accordance with safe practices
and standards? Are all spills of flammable or combustible liq-
uids cleaned up promptly?
Are “NO SMOKIN ” signs posted on liquefied
petroleum gas tanks and in areas where flam-
mable or combustible materials are used or
Are storage tanks adequately vented to pre-
vent the development of excessive vacuum or
stored? pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or
atmosphere temperature changes?
Are liquefied petroleum storage tanks guarded
to prevent damage from vehicles? Are storage tanks equipped with emergency
venting that will relieve excessive internal
Are all solvent wastes and flammable liquids
kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until
pressure caused by fire exposure?
they are removed from the worksite? Are rules enforced in areas involving storage
and use of hazardous materials?
Isthanvacuuming used whenever possible rather
blowing or sweeping combustible dust?
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
Are firm separators placed between containers
of combustibles or flammables that are stack- Are employees aware of the potential hazards
ed one upon another to ensure their support and trained in safe handling practices for situ-
and stability? ations involving various chemicals stored or
used in the workplace such as acids, bases,
Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders
separated by distance and fire-resistant barri-
caustics, epoxies, phenols, etc.?
Issary?
PPE used and maintained whenever neces-
Ifboninternal combustion engines are used, is car-
monoxide kept within acceptable levels?
Ifareyouyourhaveemployees
a respirator protection program,
Are materials that give off toxic, asphyxiant,
suffocating, or anesthetic fumes stored in
instructed on the correct remote or isolated locations when not in use?
usage and limitations of the respirators?
Are the respirators National Institute for HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES COMMUNICATION
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-
approved for this particular application?
Are they regularly inspected, cleaned, sani-
Isyourthereworkplace
a list of hazardous substances used in
and an MSDS readily available
tized and maintained? for each hazardous substance used?
Ifcesses,
hazardous substances are used in your pro-
do you have a medical or biological
Isforthere a current written exposure control plan
occupational exposure to bloodborne
monitoring system in operation? pathogens and other potentially infectious
materials, where applicable?
Are you familiar with the threshold limit values
or permissible exposure limits of airborne con- Isgram
there a written hazard communication pro-
taminants and physical agents used in your dealing with MSDSs, labeling and
workplace? employee training?
Inandwetequipment
or damp locations, are electrical tools
appropriate for the use or loca-
power rated equal to or in excess of the motor
rating.)
tion or otherwise protected?
Istrollowdevice
voltage protection provided in the con-
Iscables
the location of electrical power lines and
(overhead, underground, under floor,
of motors driving machines or
equipment that could cause injury from inad-
other side of walls, etc.) determined before vertent starting?
digging, drilling, or similar work is begun?
Isbreaker
each motor disconnecting switch or circuit
Isthetheladder
use of metal ladders prohibited where
or the person using the ladder
necting means installed in the circuit within
sight of the motor?
could come in contact with energized parts of
equipment, fixtures, or circuit conductors?
Istwothehorsepower
controller for each motor that exceeds
rated equal to or above the
Are all disconnecting switches and circuit rating of the motor it serves?
breakers labeled to indicate their use or equip-
ment served?
Are employees who regularly work on or
around energized electrical equipment or lines
NOISE
Incontact
fueling operations, is there always metal
Are there areas in the workplace where contin-
uous noise levels exceed 85 decibels? tank?
between the container and the fuel
Have engineering controls been used to Are fueling operations prohibited in buildings
or other enclosed areas that are not specifical-
reduce excessive noise levels? Where engi- ly ventilated for this purpose?
neering controls are determined to be infeasi-
ble, are administrative controls (i.e., worker
rotation) being used to minimize individual
Where fueling or transfer of fuel is done
through a gravity flow system, are the nozzles
employee exposure to noise? self-closing?
Is(noise
approved hearing protective equipment
attenuating devices) available to every
IDENTIFICATION OF PIPIN SYSTEMS
Are employees in high noise areas given peri- When hazardous substances are transported
through above-ground piping, is each pipeline
odic audiometric testing to ensure that you identified at points where confusion could
have an effective hearing protection system? introduce hazards to employees?
Isthattheonly
source point for makeup air located so
clean, fresh air, free of contaminants
TIRE INFLATION
will enter the work environment? Where tires are mounted and/or inflated on
drop center wheels or on wheels with split
Where two or more ventilation systems serve
a work area, is their operation such that one
rims and/or retainer rings, is a safe practice
procedure posted and enforced?
will not offset the functions of the other?
tions–those that would be judged a “serious viola- that may introduce new hazards. Employers who
tion” under OSHA criteria–you and the consultant meet these specific SHARP requirements may be
must develop and agree to a reasonable plan and removed from OSHA’s programmed inspection list
schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The for one year.
consultant will offer general approaches and op-
tions to you. He or she may also suggest other The on-site consultants will:
sources for technical help.
Abatement and Follow-through. Following the help you recognize hazards in your workplace,
closing conference, the consultant will send you a
detailed written report explaining the findings and suggest general approaches or options for
confirming any abatement periods agreed upon. solving a safety or health problem,
The consultant may also contact you from time to identify kinds of help available if you need fur-
time to check your progress. You, of course, may
ther assistance,
always contact him or her for assistance.
Ultimately, OSHA does require hazard abate- provide you with a written report summarizing
ment so that each consultation visit achieves its findings,
objective–effective employee protection. If you fail
to eliminate or control identified serious hazards assist you in developing or maintaining an
(or an imminent danger) according to the plan and effective safety and health program,
within the limits agreed upon or an agreed-upon
extension, the situation must be referred from con-
provide training and education for you and
sultation to an OSHA enforcement office for appro- your employees,
priate action. This type of referral is extremely rare. recommend you for a one-year exclusion from
Benefits. Knowledge of your workplace hazards OSHA programmed inspections, once pro-
and ways to eliminate them can only improve your gram criteria are met.
own operations–and the management of your firm.
You will get professional advice and assistance on The on-site consultants will not:
the correction of workplace hazards and benefit
from on-site training and assistance provided. The issue citations or propose penalties for viola-
consultant can help you establish or strengthen an tions of OSHA standards,
employee safety and health program, making safe-
ty and health activities routine rather than crisis- report possible violations to OSHA enforce-
oriented responses. ment staff,
VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PRO RAMS (VPP) These state plans operate under authority of state
OSHA’s VPP provide an opportunity for labor, law and are required to be, in structure and per-
management and government to work together formance, “at least as effective as” the Federal
cooperatively to further the goal of providing effec- OSHA Program. Although many states have
tive safety and health protection in the workplace. adopted standards and procedures identical to
The VPP grant recognition to worksites that provide Federal standards, states may have different or
or are committed to providing effective protection additional requirements parallel to those described
for their employees through implementation of in the Federal program.
systematically managed safety and health pro- To determine which set of standards and regula-
grams. The Star Program is for worksites that have tions apply to you, you need to know whether you
at least one year’s experience with an effectively are covered by a state plan or subject to Federal
implemented safety and health program. The OSHA. Please visit http://www.oshaslc.gov/fso/osp
Merit Program is for worksites working toward an /index.html, call the OSHA Area Office nearest you,
effectively implemented program. The Star or (800) 321-OSHA to obtain this information.
Demonstration Program is for worksites with pro- If you are subject to state enforcement, the
grams at Star quality but with some aspect of their OSHA Area Office will refer you to your state office
program that requires further study by OSHA. All which can provide all relevant information, such as
participants work in partnership with OSHA and whether the state is using the Federal standards,
provide models for OSHA and for their industries. information on the poster and recordkeeping
requirements, and special services available to
OSHA STRATE IC PARTNERSHIP PRO RAM (OSPP) small businesses. The state office also can provide
OSPP is designed to enable groups of employ- you with further assistance, including directing you
ers, employees and employee representatives to to the free, on-site consultation services described
partner with OSHA and enter into an extended, vol- above.
untary, cooperative relationship in order to encour- See the list of OSHA-approved state plans at
age, assist and recognize efforts to eliminate seri- www.osha.gov.
ous hazards and achieve a high level of worker
safety and health. OSHA Publications
A single free copy of the following materials can be
OSHA ALLIANCE PRO RAM obtained from the OSHA Area or Regional Office,
Alliances are goal-oriented written agreements or contact the OSHA Publications Office, U.S.
between OSHA and organizations to work together Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue,
to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Organ- NW, N-3101, Washington, DC 20210, or call (202)
izations include employers, employees, labor unions, 693-1888, or fax (202) 693-2498.
trade or professional groups, educational institu-
Access to Medical and Exposure Records –
tions and government agencies. Alliances focus on
OSHA 3110
one or more of the following goals: training and
education, outreach and communications, and pro- All About OS A – OSHA 3302
moting the national dialogue on occupational safe-
Asbestos Standard for the Construction Industry –
ty and health.
OSHA 3096
ow to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and For further information on any OSHA program,
Evacuations – OSHA 3088 contact your nearest OSHA Area or Regional Office
or call (800) 321-OSHA.
Job Safety and ealth Protection Poster –
OSHA 3165
Other Sources of Assistance
Job azard Analysis – OSHA 3071
VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PRO RAMS
Model Plans & Programs for the OS A Bloodborne
PARTICIPANTS’ ASSOCIATION (VPPPA)
Pathogens and azard Communications Standards
The VPPPA is a private organization made up of
– OSHA 3186
VPP participant companies. The VPPPA has mem-
Occupational Safety and ealth (OSH) Act – bers in most states where the Federal OSHA pro-
OSHA 2001 gram operates and in many states where state
Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA 3151 plans are in force. The VPPPA is willing to provide
information, outreach, and mentoring to help work-
Servicing Single-Piece and Multi-Piece Rim Wheels – sites improve their safety and health programs.
OSHA 3086 Chapters of the national association have been
The following publications are available from formed in most OSHA regions. Members of these
the U.S. overnment Printing Office ( PO), chapters also are willing to provide the kind of
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC assistance provided by the national organization.
20402, phone toll-free (866) 512-1800, fax (202) 512- To contact your regional chapter of the VPPPA, call
2250. Include PO Order Number and make or write the OSHA Regional Office listed in the back
checks payable to Superintendent of Documents. of this publication for the address and telephone
All prices are subject to change by PO. number of the chapter in your region. To contact
the VPPPA national organization, please call (703)
azard Communication: A Compliance Kit – 761-1146 or write to the following address:
OSHA 3111
Order No. 029-016-00200-6. Cost: $21.00 Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’
Construction Industry Digest – OSHA 2202 Association
Order No. 029-016-00212-0. Cost: $8.00 7600 East Leesburg Pike, Suite 440
Falls Church, VA 22043
Materials andling and Storing – OSHA 2236 (703) 761-1146
Order No. 029-016-00215-4. Cost: $3.75
Internet—There is an enormous amount of compli- SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
ance assistance information on OSHA’s website The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
that can be useful to the small business owner, administers the Small Business Development
found at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_ Center Program to provide management and tech-
assistance/index.html. OSHA standards, interpreta- nical assistance to current and prospective small
tions, directives and additional information are business owners. There is a Small Business
also available at http://www.osha.gov/ and Development Center (SBDC) in every state, the
http://www.osha-slc.gov/. District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, uam, Samoa,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with more than 1,000
CD-ROM—A wide variety of OSHA materials, service centers across the country. SBDC assis-
including standards, interpretations, directives, and tance is tailored to the local community and the
more, can be purchased on CD-ROM from the U.S. needs of individual clients and designed to deliver
overnment Printing Office, Superintendent of up-to-date counseling, training, and technical assis-
Documents, phone toll-free (866) 512-1800. tance. Services could include helping small busi-
Emergencies—For life-threatening situations, call nesses with financial, marketing, production,
(800) 321-OSHA. Your call will be directed to the organization, engineering, and technical problems.
nearest OSHA Area or state office for help.
taining to your business. These materials are usu- Interest rate information on SBA loans may be
ally in reference rooms or technical subject areas. obtained from any SBA office. They fluctuate but
Ask your librarian what is available. The library are generally lower than you can obtain elsewhere.
may be able to obtain materials for you through You may wish to consult your own bank. It pays to
inter-library loan, purchase, etc. shop around for loans.
Two basic publications of the National Safety Don’t forget to check with your accountant at
Council will give you many sources of technical income tax time, since safety and health improve-
information. The Accident Prevention Manual for ments can often be expensed or depreciated.
Industrial Operations is a basic reference book
for all safety and health work. The second book, ADDITIONAL WEB PA ES OF INTEREST
Fundamentals of Industrial ygiene, contains excel- TO SMALL BUSINESSES
lent information on toxic materials and recom- (Internet websites change frequently; these list-
mended health and hygiene practices. Both of ings may not be current.)
these references list other sources at the end of
each chapter that may help you in solving specific http://www.firstgov.gov
problems. A website for all agencies of the Federal govern-
ment.
FINANCIN WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENT
The SBA is authorized to make loans to assist http://www.sba.gov
small businesses with meeting OSHA standards. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s home
Because SBA’s definition of a “small” business page.
varies from industry to industry, contact your local
SBA field office to determine whether you qualify. http://www.businesslaw.gov
A helpful hint: if you decide to apply for an SBA Legal and regulatory information for small busi-
loan, experience indicates that most delays in pro- nesses by state.
cessing SBA/OSHA loans are because applications
(1) do not adequately describe each workplace con- http://www.regulations.gov
dition to be corrected and identify one or more A site to enable small business owners to find all
OSHA standards applicable to the condition to be Federal regulations that are open for comment, to
corrected, or (2) do not provide a reasonable esti- read them and to submit their views.
mate of the cost to correct each condition.
In most cases, safety hazards can be corrected http://www.assistancecenters.net/
without financial assistance. Health hazards may For help with understanding environmental regula-
be more costly to correct. The age and condition tions that relate to the operation of your business.
of the building and equipment are major factors to
be considered. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
This Internal Revenue Service website offers indus-
try- and profession-specific tax information and
guidelines.
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
“It is the intent of this company to comply with all Providing necessary personal protective
laws. To do this we must constantly be aware of equipment and instructions for its use and
conditions in all work areas that can produce in- care.
juries. No employee is required to work at a job he
or she knows is not safe or healthful. Your cooper- Developing and enforcing safety and health
ation in detecting hazards and, in turn, controlling rules and requiring that employees cooperate
them is a condition of your employment. Inform with these rules as a condition of employ-
your supervisor immediately of any situation ment.
beyond your ability or authority to correct. ”
Investigating, promptly and thoroughly, every
“The personal safety and health of each employee accident to find out what caused it and to cor-
of this company is of primary importance. The rect the problem so that it won’t happen again.
prevention of occupationally-induced injuries and
illnesses is of such consequence that it will be Setting up a system of recognition and
given precedence over operating productivity awards for outstanding safety service or per-
whenever necessary. To the greatest degree possi- formance. ”
ble, management will provide all mechanical and
physical facilities required for personal safety and “We recognize that the responsibilities for safety
health in keeping with the highest standards. ” and health are shared:
“We will maintain a safety and health program con- The employer accepts responsibility for lead-
forming to the best practices of organizations of ership of the safety and health program, for its
this type. To be successful, such a program must effectiveness and improvement, and for pro-
embody the proper attitudes toward injury and ill- viding safe conditions.
ness prevention on the part of supervisors and
employees. It also requires cooperation in all safe- Supervisors are responsible for developing
ty and health matters, not only between supervisor the proper attitudes toward safety and health
and employee, but also between each employee in themselves and in those they supervise,
and his or her co-workers. Only through such a and for ensuring that all operations are per-
cooperative effort can a safety program in the best formed with the utmost regard for the safety
interest of all be established and preserved. ” and health of all personnel involved, including
themselves.
“Our objective is a safety and health program that
will reduce the number of injuries and illnesses to Employees are responsible for compliance
an absolute minimum, not merely in keeping with, with all rules and regulations and for continu-
but surpassing, the best experience of operations ously practicing safety while performing their
similar to ours. Our goal is zero accidents and in- duties. ”
juries. ”
This is a suggested code. It is general in nature lines in a manner not within the scope of their
and includes many types of small business activi- duties, unless they have received instructions from
ties. It is intended only as a model that you can their supervisor/employer.
customize to describe your own work environment.
10. All injuries shall be reported promptly to the
supervisor/employer so that arrangements can be
eneral Policy
made for medical and/or first-aid treatment. First-
1. All employees of this firm shall follow these safe aid materials are located in ____________; emer-
practice rules, render every possible aid to safe gency, fire, ambulance, rescue squad, and doctors’
operations, and report all unsafe conditions or telephone numbers are located ___________; and
practices to the supervisor/employer. fire extinguishers are located at ___________.
2. Supervisors shall insist that employees observe
Suggested Safety Rules
and obey every rule, regulation, and order neces-
sary to the safe conduct of the work and take such Do not throw material, tools, or other objects
action necessary to obtain compliance. from heights (whether structures or buildings)
until proper precautions are taken to protect
3. All employees shall be given frequent accident
others from the falling object hazard.
prevention instructions. Instructions, practice drills,
and articles concerning workplace safety and Wash thoroughly after handling injurious or
health shall be given at least once every _____ poisonous substances.
working days. asoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.
4. Anyone known to be under the influence of alco- When using a ladder, always face the steps
hol and/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job
and use both hands while climbing.
while in that condition. Persons with symptoms of
alcohol and/or drug abuse are encouraged to dis-
Use of Tools and Equipment
cuss personal or work-related problems with the
supervisor/employer. Keep faces of hammers in good condition to
avoid flying nails and bruised fingers.
5. No one shall knowingly be permitted or required
to work while his or her ability or alertness is im- Files shall be equipped with handles; never
paired by fatigue, illness, or other causes that use a file as a punch or pry.
might expose the individual or others to injury. Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel.
6. Employees should be alert to see that all guards Do not lift or lower portable electric tools by
and other protective devices are in proper places
the power cords; use a rope.
and adjusted, and they shall report deficiencies.
Approved protective equipment shall be worn in Do not leave the cords of tools where cars or
specified work areas. trucks will run over them.
In 1996, Congress passed the Small Business This law establishes a complaint process
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) in whereby small businesses may register
response to concerns expressed by the small complaints about enforcement actions with
business community that Federal regulations were the SBA Ombudsman or a Small Business
too numerous, too complex and too expensive to Regulatory Fairness Board. If you are a small
implement. SBREFA was designed to give small business and believe that you have been
businesses assistance in understanding and com- treated unfairly by OSHA, you may file an
plying with regulations and more of a voice in the electronic comment/complaint with the SBA
development of new regulations. Under SBREFA, Ombudsman online at: www.sba.gov/
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ombudsman.
(OSHA) and other Federal agencies must:
Or you may contact the SBA's Office of the
Produce Small Entity Compliance uides for National Ombudsman:
some agency rules;
Toll-Free Phone: (888) RE -FAIR (734-3247)
Be responsive to small business inquiries
about complying with the agency’s regula- Fax: (202) 481-5719
tions;
E-mail: ombudsman@sba.gov
Submit final rules to Congress for review;
Mail:
Have a penalty reduction policy for small Office of the National Ombudsman
busi-nesses; and U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, S.W., MC2120
Involve small businesses in developing
Washington, DC 20416-0005
proposed rules expected to significantly affect
a large number of small entities through Small
Business Advocacy Review Panels. For more information on SBREFA, please visit
www.sba.gov/advocacy.