Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, with a long to-do list that often pushes compliance to the back burner. However, ensuring OSHA compliance is crucial for your business’ safety and success. OSHA’s primary mission is workplace safety, which includes employee and employer well-being. Neglecting compliance isn’t an option; it must be addressed promptly to avoid costly penalties.
And that’s easy to understand – you’re busy wearing all the hats and juggling multiple responsibilities – but OSHA, unfortunately, isn’t inclined to be so accommodating. Its role, after all, is to ensure everyone’s safety, so compliance simply can’t wait until ‘tomorrow.’
Thankfully, we have an exhaustive repository of resources and information for your reference to help you as you prepare to open the doors for your business. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding compliance, HazCom, SDSs, and every other confounding acronym in between for newcomers.
Why OSHA Compliance Matters
Simply put, OSHA’s goal is to make workplaces safer – and that should be your goal, too. And even if you’re not driven by the higher ideals of a safe workplace, the truth is it’s just good business.
Here are some critical OSHA statistics to know, including the price tag of willful and repeat violations. OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase to $16,131 per violation as of January 16, 2024. Additionally, the maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase to $161,323 per violation.
Getting Started with OSHA Compliance
If you are a manufacturer or supplier and if your products require safety data sheets (SDS), having an authoring software, system or process that groups products in families based on unique hazard combinations and physical states makes all the difference. This step is crucial for ensuring you receive GHS-compliant SDSs from your suppliers. TotalSDS offers consulting and regulatory compliance professional services for your SDS needs.
There are many factors that contribute to GHS-compliance – but consider all of the responsibilities taken to make your business GHS-compliant – so you can be sure your suppliers have sent you updated SDSs. It is important to note that the emphasis here is on the end-user, not on the SDS creator.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Hazard Communication (HazCom): OSHA’s HazCom standards require businesses to inform and train employees about hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. This includes providing clear information about handling, protective measures, and safety protocols.
Five Elements of HazCom:
- Written Hazard Communication Program
- Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Employee Training
- Chemical Inventory
HazCom violations consistently rank among OSHA’s most cited issues, so prioritizing compliance is essential.
What are additional requirements for compliance?
Workplace chemicals present countless hazards. As such, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standards (HazCom) requires companies producing and/or using hazardous chemicals to provide employees with information and training relevant to the hazardous chemicals, their handling, protective measures, and any other significant safety concerns in accordance with OSHA’s Right-to-Know Standard.
There are five key elements to HazCom, and since hazard communication violations rank No. 2 on OSHA’s list of violations, OSHA will continue to take violations in this category seriously.
The specifics of HazCom’s new guidelines still prompt questions, so here is a quick-reference guide in order to stay compliant.
Common Compliance Challenges and Solutions
Certain areas tend to trip up small businesses when it comes to compliance. Here are four common pain points and tips to avoid them:
- Inadequate Training: Ensure that all employees receive thorough training on hazardous chemicals and safety protocols.
- Improper Labeling: Use clear and compliant labeling for all hazardous materials.
- Outdated SDS: Regularly review and update your SDS to reflect any changes in hazard information or safety measures.
- Neglecting Inspections: Be proactive in conducting internal audits and preparing for potential OSHA inspections.
What triggers an inspection?
While there is some truth to the suspicion that OSHA targets certain industries and businesses for inspections, it’s not the full picture. OSHA has two types of inspections: programmed and unprogrammed. OSHA does – understandably – target certain industries and companies based on where they believe the greatest risks are, so those inspections are programmed.
How do I maintain my compliance? Maintaining OSHA Compliance
To effectively manage your HazCom program, follow these six steps:
- Conduct Regular Training Sessions
- Maintain Up-to-Date SDSs
- Review and Update Labels Regularly
- Document Compliance Efforts
- Engage Employees in Safety Practices
- Stay Informed on OSHA Updates
Common Mistakes in SDS Management
Interpreting regulations and implementing processes to sustain chemical compliance can be challenging and as such, mistakes are often made. Here, we take a look at some of the most common mistakes when it comes to SDS management and authoring – and solutions to help you avoid them.
A Compliance Partner That Works For You
Understanding regulations and implementing compliant processes can be challenging. Some frequent errors include:
- Failing to update SDSs regularly.
- Misinterpreting labeling requirements.
- Overlooking employee training needs.
Finding a Compliance Partner
Consider partnering with a compliance expert to help you stay on track. Our service ensures that your SDS databases are always up-to-date and compliant, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Ready to Optimize Your Compliance?
Schedule a free demo with TotalSDS today to see how we can support your OSHA compliance efforts and keep your workplace safe. Remember, prioritizing safety not only protects your employees but also enhances your business’s reputation and success.
