The OSHA Act helped form OSHA (the department) which is part of the United States Department of Labor. It also formed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or NIOSH. This organization performs research on occupational safety and health. Lastly, the OSHA Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission or OSHRC. This acts as an independent group that hears trials and appeals related to employers who have had judgments made against them for OSHA compliance.
How OSHA Functions in the U.S.
OSHA offers employers training and resources to help ensure their workers are educated on how to navigate the workplace safely. Using federal laws, OSHA can help guarantee employers actively make sure their employees are safe at work. Companies are required to prove they have measures in place to help prevent: falls, cave-ins, accidents with dangerous machinery, and exposure to harmful chemicals/diseases.
Employers can help do this by coming up with safety plans or assessing risks within the workplace and coming up with safer solutions. Employers should also enforce mandatory training for all employees. This shows the company is taking some steps to help mitigate risks.
Workers who feel as if their job is not in compliance with OSHA standards can make a complaint against their company. This will trigger a set of events. OSHA will visit the worksite to perform an inspection. The inspector may notice issues surrounding training, supply of personal protection equipment, proper testing, and surveillance.
Helping You Identify Risks
Performing a risk assessment for your company can help ensure the safety of your workers, but it can also help ensure your business is OSHA-compliant. Biscayne Risk and Insurance can help you with this process. Our risk management services help you mitigate risks. This can also help prevent any injuries, deaths, or sickness at the workplace.
We have a team of risk advisors who can help you reduce risks that can also assist with lowering your insurance costs. Please contact us to learn more about how you can get started. We look forward to working with you!