How Do I Know If a Workplace is Up to OSHA Standards?
It is your moral responsibility and legal duty to make sure that the safety standards of your workplace meet the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and state legal requirements. To make certain that your business complies with OSHA standards and local laws, it’s best to consult with a local employment attorney.
Your attorney will guide you through all the essential requirements and updates and help you understand your legal responsibilities and rights. Your attorney can likewise forecast potential issues, so you can prepare for them in advance.
What Exactly is Workplace Safety?
Workplace safety basically refers to a business’s working environment. It encompasses the individual factors that directly affect the safety, health, and well-being of employees. These factors typically include:
- Unsafe working conditions or processes
- The proper use of machinery, tools, or equipment
- Alcohol and drug use
- Environmental hazards
- Addressing work-related stress
- Discrimination and violence
- Ensuring that crisis exits are easily accessible
OSHA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing workplace safety throughout the country. Its primary objectives include:
- Improving all workers’ safety and health by reducing hazards, exposures, deaths, injuries, and illnesses.
- Changing workplace culture by promoting employer and worker involvement, awareness, and commitment to workplace safety and health.
- Securing the public’s confidence by developing and delivering superior programs and services.
It’s also crucial to note that aside from complying with the federal rules enforced by OSHA, California employers must likewise comply with the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA) standards.
What Employers Must Know About Workplace Safety Law
Workplace safety law encompasses a broad range of federal and state regulations, which are strictly enforced on employers to ensure all workers’ health and safety. Various rules are likewise in place to minimize the risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
As the governing body that administers basic laws on workplace safety, OSHA is also authorized to investigate employer violations and penalize them for noncompliance. If your business fails to comply with OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards, you may be slapped with hefty fines and even face criminal penalties, including jail time.
Besides helping your business avoid legal complications, ensuring that your business is compliant with relevant workplace safety laws also raises employer morale, retention, and productivity, as well as your financial performance.
Speak to an Experienced Encino Employment Attorney Now
You are legally responsible for making sure that all your employees are free to work in an environment that does not endanger their safety and health. This is why you should understand and implement the necessary workplace safety standards and work with an attorney with ample experience in employment law. Aside from ensuring that your business is compliant with OSHA and state law, working with an attorney will also shield you from potential liability.
If you are unsure whether your business is fully compliant with OSHA standards or want to ensure that you maintain your compliance with the law, contact Kaufman McAndrew LLP right away. You can learn more about your case by calling our office at 818-788-5767 or contacting us online to schedule your appointment with our Encino employment attorney.