Colorado is under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which covers most private-sector workers within the state. OSHA’s mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s employees by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, and education, establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. To effectively manage your organization, OSHA has to be a priority. This is the case, especially if you work in the construction or warehouse industries. If you want to avoid a citation, stick around as we discuss 5 important OSHA regulations all Colorado employers should be aware of.
Regulation One: 1910 Subpart D: Walking-Working Surfaces
You may overlook this grouping of regulations because you know how to keep an area clear, but there’s much more to it than that. Slips and trips are dangerous but can be avoided. Managers need to watch out for unexpected surface hazards, such as scaffold requirements and proper rope descent systems.
Regulation Two: 1910 Subpart E: Exit Routes and Emergency Planning
There’s one priority you need to maintain when it comes to an emergency: clear and bright labels. You won’t have time to think about which instructions are the most up-to-date or remember what protocols should come first in an emergency. A bright, clear, public contingency plan will leave you with no questions in a dire situation. Keep everything labeled clearly and review each year for updates.
Regulation Three: 1910 Subpart G: Occupational Health and Environmental Control
Ventilation is a key component of an effective workplace, especially in 2021. Much of the guidelines focus on controlling the environment, but ventilation can solve multiple issues on the job. Make sure your overall ventilation system is updated on par with OSHA standards, and take extra measures when there is a risk of dangerous dust or air pollutants.
Regulation Four: 1910 Subpart H: Hazardous Materials
If you’re working with any potentially hazardous materials, you must review the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Whether you’re working with basic canisters of compressed gas or much more intimidating substances, you and your staff need to review the proper handling and storage of materials.
Regulation Five: 1910 Subpart K: Medical and First Aid
It makes sense for most businesses to have a quick first aid kit on hand. Not only is this a best practice at most work sites – it’s easy to overlook that this is actually an OSHA requirement. Make sure your first aid supplies are prominent and available to all. You must also check regularly to make sure the supplies don’t run low – there’s nothing worse than finding an empty first aid kit in an emergency.
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