Staying OSHA-compliant in 2024 is crucial for businesses to ensure the safety of their workers and avoid costly penalties. To help you navigate OSHA’s requirements, we’ve created a free, easy-to-follow OSHA compliance checklist. This guide covers key areas like hazard communication, safety audits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to help keep your workplace safe and compliant.
OSHA Compliance Checklist 2024:
- Hazard Communication:
- Ensure all hazardous chemicals in the workplace are properly labeled and stored.
- Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical used.
- Train employees on the safe handling and understanding of chemicals, including reading SDS.
- Implement a written hazard communication program that outlines procedures for handling hazardous materials.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Conduct a PPE assessment to determine the necessary gear for each job role.
- Provide employees with the required PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
- Train workers on the correct use and maintenance of PPE.
- Regularly inspect and replace PPE as needed.
- Emergency Action Plans:
- Develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that outlines procedures for fires, severe weather, and other emergencies.
- Assign specific roles and responsibilities to employees in emergency situations.
- Regularly conduct emergency drills to ensure all employees know the evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
- Safety Audits and Inspections:
- Schedule regular workplace safety audits to identify hazards and unsafe practices.
- Inspect all equipment, machinery, and safety systems to ensure they are in working condition.
- Create a corrective action plan for any violations or risks found during audits and inspections.
- Recordkeeping and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate OSHA records, including the OSHA Form 300 log of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Post the OSHA Form 300A summary from February 1 to April 30 each year.
- Report severe injuries or fatalities to OSHA within the required timeframes (8 hours for fatalities, 24 hours for severe injuries).
- Training and Education:
- Provide OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 mandated training to all employees, including new hires and workers exposed to new hazards.
- Keep records of all safety training sessions, including dates, topics covered, and names of participants.
- Offer refresher courses to ensure ongoing compliance with OSHA training requirements.
- Machine Guarding and Equipment Safety:
- Ensure all machinery is equipped with proper guards to protect workers from moving parts.
- Train employees on the safe operation of machinery and the use of machine guards.
- Regularly inspect machine guards for wear or damage and replace them as needed.
- Ergonomics:
- Assess workstations and job tasks to identify ergonomic risks.
- Implement changes to reduce repetitive motion, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.
- Train employees on safe lifting techniques and the importance of ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Fire Safety:
- Equip the workplace with the appropriate number of fire extinguishers and ensure they are regularly inspected.
- Install smoke detectors and fire alarms in all required areas.
- Develop a fire prevention plan that includes identifying fire hazards and regular inspections.
- Workplace Signage:
- Post required OSHA safety signs, such as exit signs, hazard warnings, and PPE reminders.
- Ensure all signage is clearly visible and regularly maintained.
By following this OSHA compliance checklist, businesses can minimize the risk of workplace accidents, avoid costly fines, and create a safer work environment. Remember, OSHA regulations are updated periodically, so staying informed about new standards is essential.