Navigating OSHA Compliance in Post Covid World

According to OSHA, the ship repair, manufacturing, and construction industries are among the most frequently cited industries for safety and health violations. There are several things that employers can do to ensure OSHA compliance, including: 

CHEMICAL HAZARDS 
Asbestos, welding fumes, solvents, paints, and fuels 

PHYSICAL HAZARDS 
Noise, heat stress, and falls

SAFETY HAZARDS 
Fires and confined spaces 

In addition to these traditional hazards, employers in these industries must also now contend with the additional risks posed by COVID-19. The pandemic prompted a surge in OSHA inspections related to workplace safety and health protocols. Employers across industries were scrutinized for compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitization. 

According to OSHA, the ship repair, manufacturing, and construction industries are among the most frequently cited industries for safety and health violations. In 2021, OSHA conducted 33,109 inspections in these industries and issued 123,666 citations for violations. The most common violations were for falls, hazardous energy, and respiratory protection. 

How to Ensure OSHA Compliance 

There are several things that employers can do to ensure OSHA compliance, including: 

Develop and implement a written safety and health program: This program should identify the hazards in your workplace and outline the steps you are taking to protect your workers. 

Train your workers on OSHA regulations and safety procedures: Make sure your workers understand the hazards they face and how to protect themselves. 

Provide your workers with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE can help to protect your workers from a variety of hazards, including falls, hazardous energy, and respiratory hazards. 

Conduct regular inspections of your workplace: This will help you to identify and correct any potential hazards before they cause an injury or illness. 

Maintain accurate records of your safety and health program: This will help you to demonstrate to OSHA that you are taking steps to comply with OSHA regulations. 

How to Stay Up-to-Date on OSHA Regulations 

OSHA regulations are constantly changing, so it is important for employers to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements. There are a number of ways to do this, including: 

Visit the OSHA website: The OSHA website has a wealth of information on OSHA regulations, including standards, training materials, and compliance tools. 

Subscribe to OSHA's email list: OSHA offers a number of email lists that provide updates on OSHA regulations and compliance news. 

Attend OSHA training seminars: OSHA offers a variety of training seminars on OSHA regulations and compliance topics. 

Hire a safety consultant: A safety consultant can help you to develop and implement a safety and health program and to stay up-to-date on OSHA regulations. 

Tips for Employers in Hampton Roads 

The following are some additional tips for employers in Hampton Roads who are looking to improve their OSHA compliance: 

Take advantage of OSHA's free consultation services: OSHA offers free consultations to employers who want to improve their safety and health programs. 

Join a local safety council: There are a number of safety councils in Hampton Roads that offer resources and support to employers. 

Network with other employers in your industry: Talk to other employers in your industry about their best practices for OSHA compliance. 

By following these tips, employers can help to ensure their compliance with OSHA regulations and protect their workers from injury and illness.