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OSHA Handbook for Small Businesses Safety Management Series U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 2209 1996 (Revised)

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Page 1: OSHA for Small Business

OSHA Handbookfor Small BusinessesSafety Management Series

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 22091996 (Revised)

Page 2: OSHA for Small Business

OSHA Handbookfor Small BusinessesSmall Business Management Series

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 22091996 (Revised)

Page 3: OSHA for Small Business

ABOUT THIS BOOKLET

This booklet is being provided at cost to owners,proprietors, and managers of small businesses by theOccupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor.For a copy of this publication, write to the U.S. Gov-ernment Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents,Washington, DC 20402, or call (202) 512-1800,(202) 512-2250 (fax) for ordering information.Order No. 029-016-00144-1; Cost $4.00.

The handbook should assist small business employersto meet the legal requirements imposed by, and under,the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Actof 1970 (P.L.91-596) and achieve an in-compliancestatus voluntarily prior to an inspection performedpursuant to the Act.

The materials in this handbook are based upon thefederal OSHA standards and other requirements ineffect at the time of publication, and upon generallyaccepted principles and activities within the job safetyand health field.

This booklet is not intended to be a legal interpretationof the provisions of the Occupational Safety andHealth Act of 1970 or to place any additional require-ments on employers or employees.

The material presented herein will be useful to smallbusiness owners or managers and can be adapted easilyto individual establishments.

All employers should be aware that there are certainstates (and similar jurisdictions) which operate theirown programs under agreement with the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor, pursuant to section 18 of the Act. Theprograms in these jurisdictions may differ in somedetails from the federal program.

Material contained in this publication is in the publicdomain and may be reproduced, fully or partially,without permission of the Federal Government. Sourcecredit is requested but not required.

This information will be made available to sensoryimpaired individuals upon request. Voice phone:(202) 219-8615; TDD message referral phone:1-800-326-2577

Page 4: OSHA for Small Business

OSHA Handbookfor Small BusinessesSmall Business Management Series

U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationJoseph A. Dear, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 22091996 (Revised)

For sale by the U. S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent ofDocuments, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328

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Small business employers may have special problemsin dealing with workplace safety and health hazards.Frequently, large corporations can afford the full-timeservices of safety engineers and industrial hygienists,whereas small firms often cannot.

Yet the workplace hazards that cause thousands ofinjuries and illnesses every year are as prevalent insmall businesses as in larger firms. That is why wehave prepared this handbook to help small businessemployers establish their own safety and health pro-grams. This booklet advises employers on how tomanage safety and health protection at their ownworksites, and tells how to obtain free, on-siteconsultations by safety and health professionals.

We at OSHA hope that each small business owner willrecognize the value of positive, cooperative action—among employers, employees, and government—toprovide safe and healthful workplaces throughout theNation.

Tell us what you think, how the book can be improved,or anything else we can do to help you in this vitaleffort.

Send your comments and suggestions to Editor,OSHA, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Rm. N3647,Washington, DC 20210.

Joseph A. DearAssistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health

TO THE SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYER

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Page

PREFACE

I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1A Profit and Loss Statement ............................................................................................................................. 1Developing a Profitable Strategy for Handling Occupational Safety and Health ............................................ 1

II. A FOUR-POINT WORKPLACE PROGRAM ........................................................................................... 3Using the Four Point Program .......................................................................................................................... 3Management Commitment and Employee Involvement .................................................................................. 3Worksite Analysis ............................................................................................................................................. 4Hazard Prevention and Control ......................................................................................................................... 4Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers ........................................................................................ 5Documenting Your Activities ........................................................................................................................... 6Safety and Health Recordkeeping..................................................................................................................... 6Injury/Illness Records ....................................................................................................................................... 6Exposure Records and Others ........................................................................................................................... 7

III. STARTING YOUR VOLUNTARY ACTIVITY ......................................................................................... 8Decide to Start Now.......................................................................................................................................... 8Designating Responsibility ............................................................................................................................... 8Get Some Help on the Details........................................................................................................................... 8Clean Up Your Place of Business ..................................................................................................................... 9Start Gathering Facts About Your Situation ..................................................................................................... 9Establish Your Four-Point Safety and Health Program .................................................................................... 10Develop and Implement Your Action Plan....................................................................................................... 11

IV. SELF-INSPECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 13Self-Inspection Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 13Self-Inspection Check Lists .............................................................................................................................. 15

V. ASSISTANCE IN SAFETY AND HEALTH ............................................................................................... 37OSHA Assistance ............................................................................................................................................. 37Other Sources of Help....................................................................................................................................... 41

APPENDICESA: Action Plan ................................................................................................................................................. 49B: Model Policy Statements ............................................................................................................................ 51C: Codes of Safe Practices ............................................................................................................................... 52D: OSHA Job Safety and Health Standards, Regulations, and Requirements ............................................... 54E: OSHA Offices ............................................................................................................................................. 55

CONTENTS

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American workers want safe and healthful places towork. They want to go home whole and healthy eachday. Determined to make that dream possible, OSHA,for the last 25 years, has been committed to “assuringso far as possible every working man and woman in thenation safe and healthful working conditions.” OSHAbelieves that providing workers with a safe workplaceis central to their ability to enjoy health, security, andthe opportunity to achieve the American dream.

OSHA’s had success in this endeavor. For example,brown lung—the dreaded debilitating disease thatdestroyed the lives of textile workers—has beenvirtually wiped out. Grain elevator explosions are nowrare. Fewer workers die in trenches, fewer get asbesto-sis, and fewer contract AIDS or hepatitis B on the job.

Also, OSHA inspections can have real, positive results.According to a recent study, in the three years follow-ing an OSHA inspection that results in penalties,injuries and illnesses drop on average by 22 percent.1

Despite OSHA’s efforts, however, every year morethan 6,000 Americans die from workplace injuries,2

and 6 million people suffer non-fatal injuries at work.3

Injuries alone cost the economy more than $110 billiona year. Also, in the public’s view, OSHA has beendriven too often by numbers and rules, not by smartenforcement and results. Business complains aboutoverzealous enforcement and burdensome rules. Manypeople see OSHA as an agency so enmeshed in its ownred tape that it has lost sight of its own mission. Andtoo often, a “one-size-fits-all” regulatory approach hastreated conscientious employers no differently fromthose who put workers needlessly at risk.

Confronted by these two realities and to keep pace withthe workforce and problems of the future, OSHA beganin 1993 to set goals to reinvent itself. OSHA is notchanging direction but is changing its destination toimprove its ability to protect working Americans.

1 Wayne B. Gray and John T. Scholze, “Does Regulatory Enforce-ment Work?” Law & Society Rev 27 (1): 177-213, 1993.

2 Guy Toscano and Janice Windau, “The Changing Character ofFatal Work Injuries,” Monthly Labor Review 117 (10):17,October 1994.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries andIllnesses, 1993.

4 Regulatory reform—to make the Federal Government moreeffective and responsive in the area of regulation—was firstproposed by Vice President Gore in his National PerformanceReview Report, presented to President Clinton in September1993. OSHA proposed its reinvention initiatives in May 1995.

PREFACE

In addition, OSHA in its reinvention efforts is deter-mined to promote small business formation and growthas well as provide quality service to our small businesscustomers.

For example, OSHA is implementing PresidentClinton’s regulatory reform4 initiatives by (l) givingemployers a choice—a partnership with OSHA andemployees to provide better safety and health ortraditional enforcement, (2) common sense in develop-ing and enforcing regulations, and (3) measuringresults, not red tape.

Building Partnerships

One of the most successful OSHA strategies began inMaine. In Maine, 200 employers with poor workers’compensation records received letters from their localOSHA office encouraging them to adopt safety andhealth programs and find and fix workplace hazards.That was the partnership option. The alternative wastraditional enforcement with a guaranteed OSHAinspection.

An overwhelming 198 employers chose partnership.They implemented safety and health programs thatworked. In partnership with employees, the companiesover the past three years have found more than 184,000hazards and fixed more than 134,000 of them. Theyhave reaped the expected rewards—65 percent haveseen their injury and illness rates decline while the 200as a whole have experienced a 47–percent drop inworkers’ compensation cases. This unique programearned OSHA a prestigious Ford Foundation Innova-tions in American Government award. Today, OSHAis developing similar programs nationwide.

Common Sense Regulations

A second set of initiatives seeks to cut unnecessaryrules and regulations and red tape. OSHA is dropping1,000 pages of outdated, obtuse rules and regulations,has begun rewriting standards in plain language and isrewriting the old consensus standards adopted withouthearings in 1971 and 1972.

One of OSHA’s standards that most concerns employ-ers, particularly the small businesses, is the hazardcommunication standard. Yet, this regulation is vitalbecause workers must be aware of the dangers theyface from toxic substances in the workplace. AtOSHA’s request, the National Advisory Committee on

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Occupational Safety and Health has established a workgroup to identify ways to improve the standard. Theagency’s goal is to focus on the most serious hazards,simplify the Material Safety Data Sheets5 which areoften complex, and reduce the amount of paperworkrequired by the hazard communication standard.

Common Sense Enforcement: Results, Not RedTape

Equally as important as the content of the rules andregulations OSHA enforces is the way it enforcesthem—the way that the agency’s 800 inspectors andother employees do their business.

OSHA also is speeding abatement of hazards through aprogram known as Quick Fix. Employers who fix anonserious hazard while the compliance officer is at thesite can receive a penalty reduction of up to 15 percentdepending on the nature of the hazard.6 To date, thisprogram has been effective in obtaining immediateabatement of hazards. The program will be appliednationwide to encourage employers to increase em-ployee protection immediately, while freeing OSHAemployees and employers from monitoring abatementand doing followup paperwork.

Response teams also are finding ways to speed upcomplaint investigations. For example, when someonecalls in a complaint, an OSHA compliance staffmember calls the employer, discusses the issue, andfollows up with a faxed letter describing the complaintand requests a response to the allegations within fivedays. Using procedures as simple as phone calls andfaxed copies of complaint forms have sharply reducedthe time between receipt of a non-formal complaint andabatement of the hazard by at least 50 percent.

Focusing on construction inspections is another ap-proach to reinvention. After evaluating its fatality data,OSHA realized that 90 percent of construction fatalitiesresult from just four types of hazards. Now whencompliance officers inspect a construction site with aneffective safety and health program, they focus only onthe four main killers: falls from heights, electrocution,crushing injuries (e.g., trench cave-ins), and beingstruck by material or equipment.

5 Chemical manufacturers and importers must develop a MSDS foreach hazardous chemical they produce or import, and mustprovide the MSDS automatically at the time of the initialshipment of a hazardous chemical to a downstream distributor oruser.

6 Does not apply to fatalities, high, medium–gravity, serious,willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate hazards. Applies only toindividual violations and to permanent and substantial correctiveactions.

To the 67 OSHA area offices that conduct OSHAinspections, reinvention involves—Getting Results andImproving Performance, or GRIP. To do this, OSHAuses a four-step redesign process: (1) developingapproaches targeted to the most hazardous worksites,(2) creating a team organizational structure, (3) im-proving office processes, and (4) measuring results.Twelve of OSHA’s area offices have already beenredesigned with hopes of adding additional offices eachquarter.

OSHA also is establishing a new relationship with itsstate plan partners—the 25 states and territories thatoperate their own OSHA-approved safety and healthprograms. OSHA realizes that encouraging them toexperiment with innovative ways to prevent injuriesand illnesses ultimately will benefit all workers. Forexample, Kentucky’s Mobile Training Van, developedcooperatively with the Associated General Contractorsof Kentucky, provides safety and health training forsmall business employers and employees at construc-tion sites. Michigan’s Ergonomics Award Programencourages employers and employees to design solu-tions to some of the most persistent workplace injuriesand disorders and to share their successes with othercompanies that may be having similar problems. Also,several states, through workers’ compensation reformlegislation and other measures, have mandated work-place safety and health programs and joint labor-management safety committees that have resulted indramatic reductions in injuries and workers’ compensa-tion costs.

States that operate their own worker safety and healthplans must provide worker protection that is “at least aseffective as” the federal program. However, becausetheir standards and other procedures may vary, busi-nesses in these states should check with their stateagency. See Appendix E for a list of state plans.

Another program that OSHA is enhancing is its Volun-tary Protection Program (VPP), which recognizescompanies doing an outstanding job in worker safetyand health. Participation in this partnership programhas doubled from 104 in 1992 to 245 in 1995. Workersat VPP sites enjoy improved workplace safety andhealth, but other sites also benefit as VPP participantsoffer their expertise and assistance through the VPPParticipants’ Association Mentoring Program and theOSHA Volunteers Program. OSHA’s free on-siteconsultation program, which helps smaller employersimprove workplace safety and health is another suc-cessful innovation. Expert consultants review opera-tions, identify and help employers abate hazards, andassist them in developing or strengthening workplacesafety and health programs.

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Training is an essential component in the reinventionprocess. OSHA’s Training Institute, located in theChicago area, provides training for compliance safetyand health officers as well as the public and safety andhealth staff from other federal agencies. The Instituteoffers 80 courses and has trained more than 140,000students since it opened in 1972. OSHA also has 12programs for other institutions to conduct OSHAcourses for the private sector and other federal agen-cies. The new education centers make safety andhealth training and education more accessible to thosewho need it. For more information about OSHA’sTraining Institute or to obtain a training catalog, writethe OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, DesPlaines, IL 60018, or call (847) 297-4913.

In addition, the Agency has implemented a number ofinformation dissemination projects and plans to under-take new initiatives to improve the availability of safetyand health data to the public through a variety ofelectronic means. The agency provides extensiveofferings on its CD-ROM, introduced in 1992 and soldby the Government Printing Office, as well as on arecently expanded and upgraded World Wide Webpage on the Internet (http://www.osha.gov/).OSHA also has developed two user-friendly computerprograms, available free on the Internet and throughtrade groups to help employers comply with theagency’s cadmium and asbestos standards. Another setof interactive programs on the Internet permits employ-ers to determine their employment category (StandardIndustrial Classification Code) and then learn the mostfrequently cited OSHA standards for that category in1995.

These efforts—coupled with OSHA’s consultation,voluntary protection programs, safety and healthprogram management guidelines,7 training and educa-tion programs, and state plans—will better serve allAmerican workers and employers, including smallbusinesses, in providing safer and more healthfulworking conditions. For information on various OSHAprograms, see Appendix E at the end of thispublication.

7 To assist employers and employees in developing effective safetyand health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety andHealth Program Management Guidelines (Fed Reg 54 (18):3908-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines applyto all places of employment covered by OSHA.

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I. INTRODUCTION

A Profit and Loss Statement

As a small business owner, you are characteristically arisk taker. You wager your business acumen againstlarger, perhaps more heavily financed corporate groupsand other free-spirited, self-employed individuals likeyourself. There is excitement and challenge in such aventure. But to succeed, you need good managementinformation, an ability to be a good manager of people,and the intelligence and inner strength both to makedecisions and to make the right decisions.

Thousands of workers die each year, and many, manymore suffer injury or illness from conditions at work.But how often does an owner or manager like youactually see or even hear about work-related deaths,serious injuries, or illnesses in the businesses withwhich you are familiar? How often has your businessactually sustained this type of loss?

In most small businesses, the answer is—rarely. Forthis reason, many owners or managers do not under-stand why there is controversy about OSHA, job safetyand health standards, inspections, citations, etc.

But others have learned why. Unfortunately, they havehad to go through the kind of loss we are talking about.And these owner/managers will tell you that it is toolate to do anything once a serious accident happens.They now know that prevention is the only real way toavoid this loss.

Reducing all losses is a goal that you as an owner ormanager clearly share with us in OSHA. Each of usmay see this goal in a slightly different light, but itremains our common intent.

We have learned from small employers, like you, thatyou place a high value on the well-being of youremployees. Like many small businesses, you probablyemploy family members and personal acquaintances.And, if you don’t know your employees before they arehired, then chances are that the very size of yourworkgroup and workplace will promote the closenessand concern for one another that small businessesvalue.

Assuming that your commitment to safe and healthfulwork practices is a given, we in OSHA want to workwith you to prevent all losses. We believe that, whenyou make job safety and health a real part of youreveryday operations, you cannot lose in the long run.

Successful safety and health activity now will enableyou to avoid possible losses in the future.

Developing a Profitable Strategy for HandlingOccupational Safety and Health

Many people confuse the idea of “accidents” with thenotion of Acts of God. The difference is clear. Floodsand tornadoes cannot be prevented by the owner ormanager of a small business, but workplace accidentscan be prevented, and indeed, floods and tornadoes canbe anticipated and prepared for.

Nobody wants accidents to happen in his or her busi-ness. A serious fire or the death of an employee or anowner can cause the loss of a great amount of profit or,in some cases, even an entire business. To preventsuch losses, you don’t have to turn your place upsidedown. You may not have to spend a lot of money,either. You may only need to use good business senseand to apply recognized prevention principles.

There are reasons why accidents happen. Somethinggoes wrong somewhere. It may take some thought, andmaybe the help of friends or other trained people, tofigure out what went wrong, but there will be a cause—a reason why. Once you know the cause, it is possibleto prevent an accident. You need some basic facts, andperhaps some help from others who know some of theanswers already. You also need a plan—a plan forpreventing accidents.

Not all danger at your worksite depends on an accidentto cause harm, of course. Worker exposure to toxicchemicals or harmful levels of noise or radiation mayhappen in conjunction with routine work as well as byaccident. You may not realize the extent of the expo-sure on the part of you and/or your employees, or of theharm that may result. The effect may not appearimmediately, but it may be fatal in the long run. Youneed a plan that includes prevention of these “healthhazard exposures” as well as accidents. You need asafety and health protection plan.

It is not a difficult task to develop such a plan. Basi-cally, you only need to concern yourself with thosetypes of accidents and health hazard exposures whichcould happen in your workplace.

Because each workplace is different, your programmay be different from one that your neighbor or yourcompetitor might use. But this is not important. Youwant it to reflect your way of doing business, not theirs.

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While the details may vary, there are four basic ele-ments that are always found in workplaces with a goodaccident prevention program. These are as follows:

1. The manager or management team leads the way,especially by setting policy, assigning and support-ing responsibility, setting an example, and involv-ing employees.

2. The worksite is continually analyzed to identify allhazards and potential hazards.

3. Methods for preventing or controlling existing orpotential hazards are put in place and maintained.

4. Managers, supervisors, and employees are trainedto understand and deal with worksite hazards.

Regardless of the size of your business, you should useeach of these elements to prevent workplace accidentsand possible injuries and illnesses.

Developing a workplace program following these fourpoints should lead you to do all the things needed toprotect you and your workers’ safety and health. If youalready have a program, reviewing it in relation tothese elements should help you improve what youhave.

If you follow it, this four-point approach to safety andhealth protection in your business should also help youto improve efficiency. It may help you reduce insur-ance claims and other costs. While it does not guaran-tee compliance with OSHA standards, the approachwill help you toward full compliance and beyond. Itwill certainly give you a way to express and documentyour good faith.

This approach usually does not involve large costs.Especially in smaller businesses, it generally does notrequire additional employees. Usually it can beintegrated into your other business functions withmodest effort on your part.

The key to the success of this plan is to see it as a partof your business operation and to see it reflected in allyour work. As you continue doing it, the programbecomes easier. It becomes built-in and then you needonly check on it periodically to be sure everything’sworking well.

In Section 2, for example, we give short titles for eachof the elements and then give short descriptions andillustrations for each. Since most employers, like you,are pressed for time, these descriptions are capsules ofinformation to assist you in thinking through andgetting started on your own approach.

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The Four-Point Workplace Program described here isbased upon the Safety and Health Program Manage-ment Guidelines issued by OSHA on January 26, 1989.(For a free copy of the guidelines, write OSHA Publi-cations, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535. Send a self-addressed mail label with yourrequest.) Although voluntary, these guidelines repre-sent OSHA’s policy on what every worksite shouldhave in place to protect workers from occupationalhazards. The guidelines are based heavily on OSHA’sexperience with the Voluntary Protection Programs(VPP). These voluntary programs are designed torecognize and promote effective safety and healthmanagement as the best means of ensuring a safe andhealthful workplace. For more information on theguidelines and VPP, please contact OSHA’s Office ofCooperative Programs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N3700, Washing-ton, DC 20210, (202) 219-7266.

Using The Four-Point Program

As you review this publication, we encourage you touse the tearout Action Plan Worksheet in Appendix Ato jot down the actions that you wish to take to helpmake your workplace safer and more healthful for youremployees. Noting those actions as you go along willmake it much easier for you to assemble the total planyou need.

Management Commitment and EmployeeInvolvement

As the owner or manager of a small business, yourattitude towards job safety and health will be reflectedby your employees. If you are not interested in pre-venting employee injury and illness, nobody else islikely to be.

At all times, demonstrate your personal concern foremployee safety and health and the priority you placeon them in your workplace. Your policy must beclearly set. Only you can show its importance throughyour own actions.

Demonstrate to your employees the depth of yourcommitment by involving them in planning andcarrying out your efforts. If you seriously involve youremployees in identifying and resolving safety andhealth problems, they will commit their unique insightsand energy to helping achieve the goal and objectivesof your program.

II. A FOUR-POINT WORKPLACE PROGRAM

Consider forming a joint employee-management safetycommittee. This can assist you in starting a programand will help maintain interest in the program once it isoperating. Committees can be an excellent way ofcommunicating safety and health information. If youhave few employees, consider rotating them so that allcan have an active part in the safety and health pro-gramming. The men and women who work for you areamong the most valuable assets you have. Their safety,health, and goodwill are essential to the success of yourbusiness. Having them cooperate with you in protect-ing their safety and health not only helps to keep themhealthy—it makes your job easier.

As a small business employer, you have inherentadvantages, such as close contact with your employees,a specific acquaintance with the problems of the wholebusiness, and usually a low worker turnover. Probablyyou have already developed a personal relationship ofloyalty and cooperation that can be built upon veryeasily. These advantages may not only increase yourconcern for your employees but also may make it easierto get their help.

Here are some actions to take:

• Post your own policy on the importance of workersafety and health next to the OSHA workplaceposter where all employees can see it. (See samplepolicy statements in Appendix B.)

• Hold a meeting with all your employees to commu-nicate that policy to them and to discuss yourobjectives for safety and health for the rest of theyear. (These objectives will result from the deci-sions you make about changes you think areneeded after you finish reading this publication.)

• Make sure that support from the top is visible bytaking an active part, personally, in the activitiesthat are part of your safety and health program.For example, personally review all inspection andaccident reports to ensure followup when needed.

• Ensure that you, your managers, and supervisorsfollow all safety requirements that employees mustfollow, even if you are only in their area briefly. If,for instance, you require a hard hat, safety glassesand/or safety shoes in an area, wear them yourselfwhen you are in that area.

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• Use your employees’ special knowledge and helpthem buy into the program by having them makeinspections, put on safety training, or help investi-gate accidents.

• Make clear assignments of responsibility for everypart of the program that you develop. Make certaineveryone understands them. The more peopleinvolved the better. A good rule of thumb is toassign safety and health responsibilities in the sameway you assign production responsibilities. Makeit a special part of everyone’s job to operate safely.That way, as you grow and delegate productionresponsibilities more widely, you will commitsafety and health responsibilities with them.

• Give those with responsibility enough people, on-the-clock time, training, money and authority to getthe job done.

• Don’t forget about it after you make assignments;make sure personally that they get the job done.Recognize and reward those who do well, andcorrect those who don’t.

• Take time, at least annually, to review what youhave accomplished against what you set as yourobjectives and decide if you need new objectives orprogram revisions to get where you want to be.

Worksite Analysis

It is your responsibility to know what you have in yourworkplace that could hurt your workers. Worksiteanalysis is a group of processes that helps you makesure that you know what you need to keep your work-ers safe. You may need help in getting started withthese processes. You can call on your state Consulta-tion Program, listed in Appendix E, for this help. Also,OSHA published a booklet entitled Job Hazard Analy-sis. (See Related Publications in Section V forordering information.) Once you get everything set up,you or your employees can do many of them.

Here are some actions to take:

• Request a consultation visit from your state Con-sultation Program covering both safety and healthto get a full survey of the hazards which exist inyour workplace and those which could develop.You can also contract for such services from expertprivate consultants if you prefer.

• Set up a way to get expert help when you makechanges, to be sure that the changes are not intro-ducing new hazards into your workplace. Also,find ways to keep current on newly recognizedhazards in your industry.

• Make an assignment, maybe to teams that includeemployees, to look carefully at each job from timeto time, taking it apart step-by-step to see if thereare any hidden hazards in the equipment or proce-dures. Some training may be necessary at the start.

• Set up a system of checking to make sure that yourhazard controls have not failed and that newhazards have not appeared. This is usually done byroutine self-inspections. You can use the checklistin Section IV of this book as a starting point. Additems to it that better fit your situation. Subtractfrom it those items that do not fit your situation.Your state consultant can probably assist you toestablish an effective system.

• Provide a way for your employees to let you oranother member of management know when theysee things that look harmful to them and encouragethem to use it.

• Learn how to do a thorough investigation whenthings go wrong and someone gets sick or hurt.This will help you find ways to prevent recur-rences.

• Initially, take the time to look back over severalyears of injury or illness experience to identifypatterns that can lead to further prevention. There-after, periodically look back over several months ofexperience to determine if any new patterns aredeveloping.

Hazard Prevention and Control

Once you know what your hazards and potentialhazards are, you are ready to put in place the systemsthat prevent or control those hazards. Your stateconsultant can help you do this. Whenever possible,you will want to eliminate those hazards. Sometimesthat can be done through substitution of a less toxicmaterial or through engineering controls that can bebuilt in. When you cannot eliminate hazards, systemsshould be set up to control them.

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Here are some actions to take:

• Set up safe work procedures, based on the analysisof the hazards in your employees’ jobs (discussedabove), and make sure that the employees doingeach job understand the procedures and followthem. This may be easier if employees are in-volved in the analysis that results in those proce-dures. (See Appendix C - Codes of Safe Practices.)

• Be ready, if necessary, to enforce the rules for safework procedures by asking your employees to helpyou set up a disciplinary system that will be fairand understood by everyone.

• Where necessary to protect your employees,provide personal protective equipment (PPE) andbe sure your employees know why they need it,how to use it and how to maintain it.

• Provide for regular equipment maintenance toprevent breakdowns that can create hazards.

• Ensure that preventive and regular maintenance aretracked to completion.

• Plan for emergencies, including fire and naturaldisasters, and drill everyone frequently enough sothat if the real thing happens, everyone will knowwhat to do even under stressful conditions.

• Ask your state consultant to help you develop amedical program that fits your worksite andinvolves nearby doctors and emergency facilities.Invite these medical personnel to visit the plantbefore emergencies occur and help you plan thebest way to avoid injuries and illness duringemergency situations.

• You must ensure the ready availability of medicalpersonnel for advice and consultation on matters ofemployee health. This does not mean that youmust provide health care. But, if health problemsdevelop in your workplace, you are expected to getmedical help to treat them and their causes.

To fulfill the above requirements, consider thefollowing:

• You should have an emergency medical procedurefor handling injuries, transporting ill or injuredworkers and notifying medical facilities with aminimum of confusion. Posting emergencynumbers is a good idea.

• Survey the medical facilities near your place ofbusiness and make arrangements for them tohandle routine and emergency cases. Cooperativeagreements could possibly be made with nearbylarger plants that have medical personnel and/orfacilities onsite.

• You should have a procedure for reporting injuriesand illnesses that is understood by all employees.

• Consider performing routine walkthroughs of theworksite to identify hazards and track identifiedhazards until they are corrected.

• If your business is remote from medical facilities,you are required to ensure that a person or personsbe adequately trained and available to render first-aid. Adequate first-aid supplies must be readilyavailable for emergency use. Arrangements forthis training can be made through your local RedCross Chapter, your insurance carrier, your localsafety council and others.

• You should check battery charging stations,maintenance operations, laboratories, heating andventilating operations and any corrosive materialsareas to make sure you have the required eye washfacilities and showers.

• Consider retaining a local doctor or an occupa-tional health nurse on a part-time or as-used basisto advise you in your medical and first-aid plan-ning.

Training for Employees, Supervisors and Managers

An effective accident prevention program requiresproper job performance from everyone in the work-place.

As an owner or manager, you must ensure that allemployees know about the materials and equipmentthey work with, what known hazards are in the opera-tion, and how you are controlling the hazards.

Each employee needs to know the following:

• No employee is expected to undertake a job untilhe or she has received job instructions on how todo it properly and has been authorized to performthat job.

• No employee should undertake a job that appearsunsafe.

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You may be able to combine safety and health trainingwith other training that you do, depending upon thekinds of potential and existing hazards that you have.With training, the “proof is in the pudding” in that theresult that you want is everyone knowing what theyneed to know to keep themselves and their fellowworkers safe and healthy.

Here are some actions to take:

• Ask your state consultant to recommend trainingfor your worksite. The consultant may be able todo some of the training while he or she is there.

• Make sure you have trained your employees onevery potential hazard that they could be exposedto and how to protect themselves. Then verify thatthey really understand what you taught them.

• Pay particular attention to your new employees andto old employees who are moving to new jobs.Because they are learning new operations, they aremore likely to get hurt.

• Make sure that you train your supervisors to knowall the hazards that face the people they superviseand how to reinforce training with quick remindersand refreshers, and with disciplinary action ifnecessary. Verify that they know what is expectedof them.

• Make sure that you and your top management staffunderstand all of your responsibilities and how tohold subordinate supervisory employees account-able for theirs.

Documenting Your Activities

Document your activities in all elements of the Four-Point Workplace Program. Essential records, includingthose legally required for workers’ compensation,insurance audits and government inspections must bemaintained as long as the actual need exists. Keepingrecords of your activities, such as policy statements,training sessions for management and employees safetyand health meetings held, information distributed toemployees, and medical arrangements made, is greatlyencouraged. Maintaining essential records also willaid:

(1) the demonstration of sound business managementas supporting proof for credit applications, forshowing “good faith” in reducing any proposedpenalties from OSHA inspections, for insuranceaudits and others; and

(2) the efficient review of your current safety andhealth activities for better control of your opera-tions and to plan improvements.

Safety and Health Recordkeeping

Records of sales, costs, profits and losses are essentialto all successful businesses. They enable the owner ormanager to learn from experience and to make correc-tions for future operations. Records of accidents,related injuries, illnesses and property losses can servethe same purpose, if they are used the same way. Thesole purpose of OSHA recordkeeping is to store factualinformation about certain accidents that have happened.When the facts have been determined, causes can oftenbe identified, and control procedures can be institutedto prevent a similar occurrence from happening.

Injury/Illness Records

There are injury/illness recordkeeping requirementsunder OSHA that require a minimum of paperwork.These records will provide you with one measure forevaluating the success of your safety and health activi-ties. Success would generally mean a lack of, or areduced number of, employee injuries or illnessesduring a calendar year.

There are five important steps required by the OSHArecordkeeping system:

1. Obtain a report on every injury requiring medicaltreatment (other than first aid).

2. Record each injury on the OSHA Form No. 200according to the instructions provided.

3. Prepare a supplementary record of occupationalinjuries and illnesses for recordable cases either onOSHA Form No. 101 or on workers’ compensationreports giving the same information.

4. Every year, prepare the annual summary (OSHAForm No. 200); post it no later than February 1,and keep it posted until March 1. (Next to theOSHA workplace poster is a good place to post it.)

5. Retain these records for at least 5 years.

During the year, periodically review the records to seewhere injuries are occurring. Look for any patterns orrepeat situations. These records can help you toidentify those high risk areas to which you shoulddirect your immediate attention.

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Since the basic OSHA records include only injuries andillnesses, you might consider expanding your ownsystem to include all incidents, including those whereno injury or illness resulted, if you think such informa-tion would assist you in pinpointing unsafe conditionsand/or procedures. Safety councils, insurance carriersand others can assist you in instituting such a system.

Injury/illness recordkeeping makes sense, and werecommend this practice to all employers. There aresome limited exemptions for small business employerswho employ l0 or fewer employees as well as forbusinesses that have certain SIC codes. Refer to Title29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1904 for thespecific exceptions. The employer is required toreport, to OSHA, all work-related facilities and mul-tiple hospitalization accidents with 8 hours of notifica-tion of the accident.

Regardless of the number of employees you have or theSIC classification, you may be selected by the FederalBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or a related stateagency for inclusion in an annual sample survey. Youwill receive a letter directly from the agency withinstructions, if you are selected.

Exposure Records and Others

The injury/illness records may not be the only recordsyou will need to maintain. Certain OSHA standardsthat deal with toxic substances and hazardous expo-sures require records on the exposure of employees,physical examination reports, employment records, etc.

As you work on identifying hazards, you will be able todetermine whether these requirements apply to yoursituation on a case-by-case basis. We mention it hereso that you will be aware of these records and that, ifrequired, they should be used with your control proce-dures and with your self-inspection activity. Theyshould not be considered merely as bookkeeping.

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You can use this basic action plan to get started on yourprogram.

To avoid confusion, we need to explain that this actionplan is not organized solely in the order of the fourpoints we described in Section II. Rather, it providesthe most direct route to getting yourself organized tocomplete your Four-Point Program.

When you have completed your action plan, youractivity should be organized around the four pointsdescribed in Section II.

Decide to Start Now

The time to start your safety and health program isnow. You have a better picture of what constitutes agood safety and health program. Now you can addressthe practical concerns of putting these elements to-gether and coming up with a program to suit yourworkplace.

Presumably you have been taking notes for your actionplan as you went through the preceding description ofthe Four-Point Program. You should be ready now todecide exactly what you want to accomplish, and todetermine what steps are necessary to achieve yourgoals. Then you will plan out how and when each stepwill be done, and who will do it.

Your plan should consider your company’s immediateneeds, and provide for ongoing, “long-lasting” workerprotection. Once your plan is designed, it is importantto follow through and use it in the workplace. You willthen have a program to anticipate, identify and elimi-nate conditions or practices which could result ininjuries and illnesses.

If you have difficulty in deciding where to begin, aphone call to your state consultation program will getyou the assistance you need. A state consultant willsurvey your workplace for existing or potential haz-ards. Then, if you request it, he or she will determinewhat you need to make your safety and health programeffective. The consultant will work with you to de-velop a plan for making these improvements, and toestablish procedures for making sure that your programstays effective.

Whether you choose to work with a consultant or todevelop your program yourself, there are other publica-tions similar to this (available from a state consultation

III. STARTING YOUR VOLUNTARY ACTIVITY

program or from OSHA) which spell out in greaterdetail the steps you can take to create an effectivesafety and health program for your workplace. Therewards for your efforts will be a workplace with ahigh level of efficiency and productivity, and a lowlevel of loss and injury.

Designating Responsibility

You must decide who in your company is the mostappropriate person to manage your safety and healthprogram. Who can be sure that the program willbecome an integral part of the business? In many casesit will be you, the owner. Sometimes it will be theplant manager or a key supervisor. It could even be anengineer, personnel specialists or other staff member.

Whoever you choose should be as committed toworkplace safety and health as you are, who has thetime to devote to developing and managing the pro-gram, and who is willing to take on the responsibilityand accountability that goes with operating an effectiveprogram. The success of your program hinges on thesuccess of the individual you choose, and he or shecannot succeed without your full cooperation andsupport. Remember, though, that even when youappoint someone as your safety manager and delegatethe authority to manage the program, the ultimateresponsibility for safety and health in your workplacerests on you.

Having made your selection of a safety and healthmanager, you or your designee and any others youchoose will need to take (or be sure you have alreadytaken) the following actions.

Get Some Help on the Details

First, you may need to catch up with all the changesmade since the Act became law in December 1970.For example, the federal law contains provisions forallowing a state to develop and operate its own occupa-tional safety and health program in place of the federalOSHA program. It is possible that the regulatoryaspect of the law (setting of mandatory minimumstandards and conducting inspections of workplaces) isnow being operated by your state government.

You need to know which level of government hascurrent jurisdiction over your establishment. If you arenot sure of this, telephone the nearest OSHA AreaOffice to find out. (See Appendix E.)

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Second, you will need certain federal OSHA publica-tions (or comparable state publications) for use in yoursafety and health activities:

1. OSHA workplace poster (Job Safety and HealthProtection - OSHA 2203) - You must have thefederal or state OSHA poster displayed in yourworkplace.

2. Standards that apply to your operations - You needthese standards for reference material in yourbusiness. (See Appendix D.) These are the regula-tions OSHA uses when inspecting for compliancewith the Act. These standards are the baseline foryour own inspections and are useful in determiningwhat specific changes need to be made whenhazards are identified. Most businesses comeunder OSHA’s General Industry Standards, but ifyou are involved with construction or maritimeoperations you will need the standards that apply tothese classifications. (In states with OSHA pro-grams, use the appropriate state standards.)

3. Recordkeeping requirements and the necessaryforms - You need these if you have 11 or moreemployees. These forms are not too different fromother information forms you have been keeping forworkers’ compensation and other records.

4. Occupational Safety and Health Act - You maywant this for your own information and referencein the future.

Clean Up Your Place of Business

Poor housekeeping is a major contributor to low moraleand sloppy work in general, even if it is not usually thecause of major accidents. Most safety action programsstart with an intensive clean-up campaign in all areas ofbusiness.

Get rid of rubbish that has collected; make sure propercontainers are provided; see that flammables areproperly stored; make sure that exits are not blocked; ifnecessary, mark aisles and passageways; provideadequate lighting, etc.

Get everyone involved and impress upon them exactlywhat it is you want to do to make your workplace safer,more healthful and more efficient.

Start Gathering Specific Facts About YourSituation

Before you make any changes in your safety and healthoperations, you will want to gather as much informa-tion as possible about the current conditions at your

workplace and about business practices that are alreadypart of your safety and health program. This informa-tion can help you identify any workplace problems andsee what’s involved in solving them.

The assessment of your workplace should be conductedby the person responsible for the safety and healthprogram and/or a professional safety and health con-sultant. It consists of two major activities.

The first is a comprehensive safety and health survey ofyour entire facility, designed to identify any existing orpotential safety and health hazards. This initial surveyshould focus on evaluating workplace conditions withrespect to safety and health regulations and generallyrecognized safe and healthful work practices. It shouldinclude checking on the use of any hazardous materials,observing employee work habits and practices, anddiscussing safety and health problems with employees.See Section IV, Self-Inspection Check Lists, to helpyou get a good start on creating this initial survey.

The second major activity is an assessment of yourexisting safety and health program to identify areas thatmay be working well and those that may need improve-ment. You will want to gather together as muchinformation as you can that relates to the safety andhealth management of your workplace. You shouldinclude the following in this review:

• Safety and health activities — Examine currentongoing activities as well as those tried previously,company policy statements, rules (both work andsafety), guidelines for proper work practices andprocedures and records of training programs.

• Equipment — Make a list of your major equip-ment, principal operations and the locations ofeach. Special attention should be given to inspec-tion schedules, maintenance activities and plantand office layouts.

• Employees’ capabilities — Make an alphabeticallist of all employees, showing the date they werehired, what their jobs are and what experience andtraining they have had. Special attention should begiven to new employees and to employees withhandicaps.

• Accident and injury/illness history — Take alook at your first-aid cases, workers’ compensationinsurance payments, and workers’ compensationawards, if any. Review any losses. Determine howyour insurance rate compares with others in yourgroup. Special attention should be given to recur-ring accidents, types of injuries, etc.

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With whatever facts you have been able to assemble,take a quick look to see if any major problem areas canbe identified. You would be looking for such things asinterruptions in your normal operations, too manyemployees taking too much time off, or too manydamaged products. General assistance in this kind ofproblem identification can often be obtained fromcompensation carriers, local safety councils, stateagencies, your major suppliers and even, perhaps, acompetitor.

If there is a major problem, see what can be done tosolve it. Once a problem is identified, you can work onthe corrective action or a plan for controlling theproblem. Take immediate action at this point and makea record of what you have done. Don’t become overlyinvolved in looking for major problem areas during thisfact-finding stage. Remember that no one hazardoussituation causes all of your safety and health problems,and therefore, it is likely that no single action willgreatly improve your safety and health program.

If you have found no major problem at this point, don’tstop here. Now it is time to develop a comprehensivesafety and health program that meets your needs andthose of your employees. This will make it moredifficult for major problems to crop up in the future.

Establish Your Four-Point Safety and HealthProgram

The success of any workplace safety and health pro-gram depends on careful planning. This means thatyou have taken time to think through what you want toaccomplish, and you may even have a general idea ofwhat it will take to accomplish your goals. Based onthat, you can design a step by step process that willtake you from the idea stage to having a fully effectiveoperation.

The most effective way to create the safest possibleworkplace for you and your employees is to institutethe Four-Point Program discussed in Section II of thishandbook. Use the guidance presented in Section II tohelp you develop your program.

Establish your management commitment and involveyour employees. No safety and health program willwork, especially in the long term, without this commit-ment and involvement. You should have already takenthe first step by designating the person who will beresponsible for your program.

Be certain that your employees are as widely involvedin the program as possible from the beginning. Theyare the people most in contact with the potential andactual safety and health hazards at your worksite. Theywill have constructive input into the development ofyour safety and health program. Its ultimate successwill depend upon their support—support that will bemore forthcoming for a program in which they havehad a meaningful input.

Make sure your program assigns responsibility andaccountability to all employees in your organization. Agood safety and health program makes it clear that eachand every employee from you through the supervisorylevels to the line worker is responsible for his or herpart of the program. You will make their safety andhealth duties clear and each of them will be heldaccountable for his or her safety and health relatedduties.

Refer to the recommended actions to take in Section II- Worksite Analysis. These will help start your pro-gram off on the right track. You will be building thefoundation for a successful safety and health program.

Establish and regularly conduct your worksite analy-sis. You cannot have a successful Safety and HealthProgram if it has not identified all the hazards andpotential hazards present in your workplace. This is anongoing process that includes routine self-inspections ifyou are to know where probable hazards exist andwhether or not they are under control.

Create the systems and procedures necessary to pre-vent and control the hazards that have been identifiedthrough your worksite analysis. These control proce-dures will be your basic means for preventing acci-dents. The OSHA standards that have been promul-gated can be of great assistance to you since theyaddress controls in order of effectiveness and prefer-ence. The hierarchy of controls is a follows: engineer-ing, administrative, work practice and personal protec-tive equipment. Whenever feasible, engineering,administrative, or work practice controls should beinstituted even though they may not eliminate thehazard or reduce exposure to or below the permissibleexposure limit. They must, however, be used inconjunction with personal protective equipment toreduce the hazard or exposure to the lowest practicallevel. Where no standard exists, creative problemsolving and consultant resources should help you createeffective controls. The basic formula OSHA followsis, in order of preference:

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1. Eliminating the hazard from the machine, themethod, the material or the plant structure.

2. Abating the hazard by limiting exposure orcontrolling it at its source.

3. Training personnel to be aware of the hazard andto follow safe work procedures to avoid it.

4. Prescribing personal protective equipment forprotecting employees against the hazard.

Be sure to establish and provide ongoing training foremployees, supervisors and managers. This shouldensure that everyone at your worksite will know aboutthe hazards that exist and how to control them.

Each of these points is crucial if you want to establish asafe and healthful workplace for you and your employ-ees. Together, these elements reinforce your program,thereby making it more difficult for accidents to occurand for work-related health problems to develop.

Develop and Implement Your Action Plan

Develop an action plan to help you build your safetyand health program around the four points discussedabove. It can serve as a “road map” to get your pro-gram from where it is now to where you want it to be.It tells you what has to be done, the logical order inwhich to do it, who is responsible, and perhaps mostimportant, where you want to be when you finish. It isa specific description of problems and solutions, but itis not ironclad—it can and should be changed tocorrespond with changes in the workplace.

A good action plan has two parts:

1. An overall list of the major changes or improve-ments that are needed to make your safety andhealth program effective. Assign each item apriority and a target date for completion, andidentify the person who will monitor or direct eachaction.

2. A specific plan on how to implement each majorchange or improvement. Here, you would writeout what you wanted to accomplish, the stepsrequired, who would be assigned to do what, andwhen you plan to be finished. This part of theaction plan will help you keep track of programimprovements so that details do not slip throughthe cracks. When several improvements are beingmade at once, it is easy to overlook something thatmay be an important prerequisite for your nextaction.

A worksheet that may help you design an overall actionplan and describe specific action steps appears inAppendix A.

Once the plan has been established, put it into action,beginning with the item that has been assigned thehighest priority. Check to make sure it is realistic andmanageable, then address the steps you have writtenout for that item. This detailed description of the stepsrequired will help you keep track of the developmentthat is taking place. Keep in mind that you can, ofcourse, work on more than one item at a time, and thatthe priorities may change as other needs are identifiedor as your company’s resources change.

Open communication with your employees is crucial tothe success of your efforts. Their cooperation dependson understanding what the safety and health program isall about, why it is important to them, and how itaffects their work. The more you do to involve them inthe changes you are making, the smoother your transi-tion will be.

By putting your action plan into operation at yourworkplace, you will have taken a major step towardhaving an effective safety and health program. Re-member, a safety and health program is a plan putinto practice. You can keep your program on track byperiodically checking its progress and by calling on astate consultant when you need assistance.

Any good management system requires a periodicreview to make sure that the system is operating asintended. Every so often (quarterly, semi-annually, orannually) you should take a careful look at each criticalcomponent in your safety and health program todetermine what is working well and what changes areneeded. Your consultant can assist you in this area aswell. When you identify improvements that should bemade, you have the basis for new safety and healthobjectives for the coming year. Developing new actionplans for those improvements will help you to continueto progress toward an effective safety and healthprogram. That, in turn, will reduce your safety andhealth risks and increase efficiency and profit.

Remember, however, that it is also important to docu-ment your activities. The only way you can evaluatethe success of your safety and health program is tohave the documentation available to tell you what youhave done, to assess how it has worked and to provideyou with guidance on how you can make it work evenbetter.

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Technical assistance may be available to you as a smallbusiness owner or manager through your insurancecarrier, your fellow business-people, suppliers of yourdurable equipment and raw materials, the local safetycouncil and many local, state and federal agencies,including the state consultation programs and OSHAArea Offices. You may even find help in the yellowpages of your telephone directory which will give youthe names of many companies that specialize in itemsand services relating to safety, health and fire preven-tion.

Establishing a quality Safety and Health Program atyour place of business will take some time and involvesome resources, but you should be pleasantly surprisedwith the results. Employees will be reassured becauseof your commitment to their safety and health on thejob. You will probably save money through increasedproductivity and reduced workers’ compensationinsurance costs. You will find increased respect inyour community. The rewards you receive will surelyexceed the cost of your investment in safety and healthprotection.

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The most widely accepted way to identify hazards is toconduct safety and health inspections. The only wayyou can be certain of the actual situation is for you tolook at it from time to time.

Begin a program of self-inspection in your own work-place. Self-inspection is a must if you are to knowwhere probable hazards exist and whether they areunder control.

Later in this Section, you will find checklists designedto assist you in this fact-finding. They will give yousome indication of where you should begin action tomake your business safer and more healthful for all ofyour employees.

These checklists are by no means all-inclusive. Youmay wish to add to them or delete portions that do notapply to your business. Consider carefully each item asyou come to it and then make your decision.

Don’t spend time with items that obviously have noapplication to your business. Make sure each item isseen by you or your designee, and leave nothing tomemory or chance. Write down what you see, or don’tsee, and what you think you should do about it.

When you have completed the checklists, add thismaterial to your injury information, your employeeinformation, and your process and equipment informa-tion. You will now possess many facts that will helpyou determine what problems exist. Then, if you usethe OSHA standards in your problem-solving process,it will be much easier for you to determine the actionneeded to solve these problems.

Once the hazards have been identified, you can institutethe control procedures described in Section III andestablish your four-point safety and health program.

Technical assistance in self-inspection may be avail-able to you as a small business owner or managerthrough your insurance carrier, the local safety counciland many local, state, and federal agencies, includingthe state consultation programs and OSHA AreaOffices. Additional checklists are available from theNational Safety Council, trade associations, insurancecompanies and other similar service organizations.(Refer to Section V.)

IV. SELF-INSPECTION

Self-Inspection Scope

The scope of your self-inspections should include thefollowing:

• Processing, Receiving, Shipping and Storage—equipment, job planning, layout, heights, floorloads, projection of materials, materials-handlingand storage methods, and training for materialhandling equipment.

• Building and Grounds Conditions—floors, walls,ceilings, exits, stairs, walkways, ramps, platforms,driveways, and aisles.

• Housekeeping Program—waste disposal, tools,objects, materials, leakage and spillage, cleaningmethods, schedules, work areas, remote areas, andstorage areas.

• Electricity —equipment, switches, breakers, fuses,switch-boxes, junctions, special fixtures, circuits,insulation, extensions, tools, motors, grounding,and national electric code compliance.

• Lighting —type, intensity, controls, conditions,diffusion, location, and glare and shadow control.

• Heating and Ventilation—type, effectiveness,temperature, humidity, controls, and natural andartificial ventilation and exhaust.

• Machinery—points of operation, flywheels, gears,shafts, pulleys, key ways, belts, couplings, sprock-ets, chains, frames, controls, lighting for tools andequipment, brakes, exhausting, feeding, oiling,adjusting, maintenance, lockout/tagout, grounding,work space, location, and purchasing standards.

• Personnel—experience training, including hazardidentification training; methods of checkingmachines before use; type of clothing; personalprotective equipment; use of guards; tool storage;work practices; and methods of cleaning, oiling, oradjusting machinery.

• Hand and Power Tools—purchasing standards,inspection, storage, repair, types, maintenance,grounding, use, and handling.

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• Chemicals—storage, handling, transportation,spills, disposals, amounts used, labeling, toxicity orother harmful effects, warning signs, supervision,training, protective clothing and equipment, andhazard communication requirements.

• Fire Prevention—extinguishers, alarms, sprin-klers, smoking rules, exits, personnel assigned,separation of flammable materials and dangerousoperations, explosive-proof fixtures in hazardouslocations, and waste disposal.

• Maintenance, including tracking and abatementof preventive and regular maintenance—regularity, effectiveness, training of personnel,materials and equipment used, records maintained,method of locking out machinery, and generalmethods.

• Personal Protective Equipment—type, size,maintenance, repair, storage, assignment of respon-sibility, purchasing methods, standards observed,training in care and use, rules of use, and method ofassignment.

• Transportation—motor vehicle safety, seat belts,vehicle maintenance, and safe driver programs.

• Review—evacuation routes, equipment, andpersonal protective equipment.

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SELF-INSPECTION CHECK LISTS

These check lists are by no means all-inclusive. Youshould add to them or delete portions or items that donot apply to your operations; however, carefullyconsider each item as you come to it and then makeyour decision. You also will need to refer to OSHAstandards for complete and specific standards that mayapply to your work situation. (NOTE: These checklists are typical for general industry but not for con-struction or maritime.)

EMPLOYER POSTING

■■ Is the required OSHA workplace poster displayedin a prominent location where all employees arelikely to see it?

■■ Are emergency telephone numbers posted wherethey can be readily found in case of emergency?

■■ Where employees may be exposed to any toxicsubstances or harmful physical agents, has appro-priate information concerning employee access tomedical and exposure records and “Material SafetyData Sheets” been posted or otherwise madereadily available to affected employees?

■■ Are signs concerning “Exiting from buildings,”room capacities, floor loading, biohazards, expo-sures to x-ray, microwave, or other harmful radia-tion or substances posted where appropriate?

■■ Is the Summary of Occupational Illnesses andInjuries (OSHA Form 200) posted in the month ofFebruary?

RECORDKEEPING

■■ Are all occupational injury or illnesses, exceptminor injuries requiring only first aid, beingrecorded as required on the OSHA 200 log?

■■ Are employee medical records and records ofemployee exposure to hazardous substances orharmful physical agents up-to-date and in compli-ance with current OSHA standards?

■■ Are employee training records kept and accessiblefor review by employees, when required by OSHAstandards?

■■ Have arrangements been made to maintain requiredrecords for the legal period of time for each spe-cific type record? (Some records must be main-tained for at least 40 years.)

■■ Are operating permits and records up-to-date forsuch items as elevators, air pressure tanks, andliquefied petroleum gas tanks?

SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

■■ Do you have an active safety and health program inoperation that deals with general safety and healthprogram elements as well as the management ofhazards specific to your worksite?

■■ Is one person clearly responsible for the overallactivities of the safety and health program?

■■ Do you have a safety committee or group made upof management and labor representatives thatmeets regularly and report in writing on its activi-ties?

■■ Do you have a working procedure for handling in-house employee complaints regarding safety andhealth?

■■ Are you keeping your employees advised of thesuccessful effort and accomplishments you and/oryour safety committee have made in assuring theywill have a workplace that is safe and healthful?

■■ Have you considered incentives for employees orworkgroups who have excelled in reducing work-place injury/illnesses?

MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID

■■ Is there a hospital, clinic, or infirmary for medicalcare in proximity of your workplace?

■■ If medical and first-aid facilities are not in proxim-ity of your workplace, is at least one employee oneach shift currently qualified to render first aid?

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■■ Have all employees who are expected to respond tomedical emergencies as part of their work*

(1 ) received first-aid training; (2) had hepatitis Bvaccination made available to them; (3) hadappropriate training on procedures to protect themfrom bloodborne pathogens, including universalprecautions; and (4) have available and understandhow to use appropriate personal protective equip-ment to protect against exposure to bloodbornediseases?

■■ Where employees have had an exposure incidentinvolving bloodborne pathogens, did you providean immediate post-exposure medical evaluationand followup?

■■ Are medical personnel readily available for adviceand consultation on matters of employees’ health?

■■ Are emergency phone numbers posted?

■■ Are first-aid kits easily accessible to each workarea, with necessary supplies available, periodi-cally inspected and replenished as needed?

■■ Have first-aid kit supplies been approved by aphysician, indicating that they are adequate for aparticular area or operation?

■■ Are means provided for quick drenching or flush-ing of the eyes and body in areas where corrosiveliquids or materials are handled?

FIRE PROTECTION

■■ Is your local fire department well acquainted withyour facilities, its location and specific hazards?

■■ If you have a fire alarm system, is it certified asrequired?

■■ If you have a fire alarm system, is it tested at leastannually?

■■ If you have interior stand pipes and valves, are theyinspected regularly?

■■ If you have outside private fire hydrants, are theyflushed at least once a year and on a routinepreventive maintenance schedule?

■■ Are fire doors and shutters in good operatingcondition?

■■ Are fire doors and shutters unobstructed andprotected against obstructions, including theircounterweights?

■■ Are fire door and shutter fusible links in place?

■■ Are automatic sprinkler system water controlvalves, air and water pressure checked weekly/periodically as required?

■■ Is the maintenance of automatic sprinkler systemsassigned to responsible persons or to a sprinklercontractor?

■■ Are sprinkler heads protected by metal guards,when exposed to physical damage?

■■ Is proper clearance maintained below sprinklerheads?

■■ Are portable fire extinguishers provided in ad-equate number and type?

■■ Are fire extinguishers mounted in readily acces-sible locations?

■■ Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly andnoted on the inspection tag?

■■ Are employees periodically instructed in the use ofextinguishers and fire protection procedures?

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ANDCLOTHING

■■ Are employers assessing the workplace to deter-mine if hazards that require the use of personalprotective equipment (e.g. head, eye, face, hand, orfoot protection) are present or are likely to bepresent?

*Pursuant to an OSHA memorandum of July 1, 1992, employeeswho render first aid only as a collateral duty do not have to beoffered pre-exposure hepatitis B vaccine only if the employer putsthe following requirements into his/her exposure control plan andimplements them: (1 ) the employer must record all first-aidincidents involving the presence of blood or other potentiallyinfectious materials before the end of the work shift during whichthe first-aid incident occurred; (2) the employer must comply withpost-exposure evaluation, prophylaxis, and followup requirementsof the standard with respect to “exposure incidents,” as defined bythe standard; (3) the employer must train designated first-aidproviders about the reporting procedure; and (4) the employer mustoffer to initiate the hepatitis B vaccination series within 24 hours toall unvaccinated first-aid providers who have rendered assistance inany situation involving the presence of blood or other potentiallyinfectious materials.

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■■ If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are found,are employers selecting and having affectedemployees use properly fitted personal protectiveequipment suitable for protection from thesehazards?

■■ Has the employer been trained on ppe procedures,i.e. what ppe is necessary for a job tasks, whenthey need it, and how to properly adjust it?

■■ Are protective goggles or face shields provided andworn where there is any danger of flying particlesor corrosive materials?

■■ Are approved safety glasses required to be worn atall times in areas where there is a risk of eyeinjuries such as punctures, abrasions, contusions orburns?

■■ Are employees who need corrective lenses (glassesor contacts) in working environments havingharmful exposures, required to wear only approvedsafety glasses, protective goggles, or use othermedically approved precautionary procedures?

■■ Are protective gloves, aprons, shields, or othermeans provided and required where employeescould be cut or where there is reasonably antici-pated exposure to corrosive liquids, chemicals,blood, or other potentially infectious materials?See 29 CFR 1910.1030(b) for the definition of“other potentially infectious materials.”

■■ Are hard hats provided and worn where danger offalling objects exists?

■■ Are hard hats inspected periodically for damage tothe shell and suspension system?

■■ Is appropriate foot protection required where thereis the risk of foot injuries from hot, corrosive,poisonous substances, falling objects, crushing orpenetrating actions?

■■ Are approved respirators provided for regular oremergency use where needed?

■■ Is all protective equipment maintained in a sanitarycondition and ready for use?

■■ Do you have eye wash facilities and a quickDrench Shower within the work area where em-ployees are exposed to injurious corrosive materi-als?

■■ Where special equipment is needed for electricalworkers, is it available?

■■ Where food or beverages are consumed on thepremises, are they consumed in areas where thereis no exposure to toxic material, blood, or otherpotentially infectious materials?

■■ Is protection against the effects of occupationalnoise exposure provided when sound levels exceedthose of the OSHA noise standard?

■■ Are adequate work procedures, protective clothingand equipment provided and used when cleaningup spilled toxic or otherwise hazardous materials orliquids?

■■ Are there appropriate procedures in place fordisposing of or decontaminating personal protec-tive equipment contaminated with, or reasonablyanticipated to be contaminated with, blood or otherpotentially infectious materials?

GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

■■ Are all worksites clean, sanitary, and orderly?

■■ Are work surfaces kept dry or appropriate meanstaken to assure the surfaces are slip-resistant?

■■ Are all spilled hazardous materials or liquids,including blood and other potentially infectiousmaterials, cleaned up immediately and according toproper procedures?

■■ Is combustible scrap, debris and waste stored safelyand removed from the worksite promptly?

■■ Is all regulated waste, as defined in the OSHAbloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR1910.1030), discarded according to federal, state,and local regulations?

■■ Are accumulations of combustible dust routinelyremoved from elevated surfaces including theoverhead structure of buildings, etc.?

■■ Is combustible dust cleaned up with a vacuumsystem to prevent the dust going into suspension?

■■ Is metallic or conductive dust prevented fromentering or accumulating on or around electricalenclosures or equipment?

■■ Are covered metal waste cans used for oily andpaintsoaked waste?

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■■ Are all oil and gas fired devices equipped withflame failure controls that will prevent flow of fuelif pilots or main burners are not working?

■■ Are paint spray booths, dip tanks, etc., cleanedregularly?

■■ Are the minimum number of toilets and washingfacilities provided?

■■ Are all toilets and washing facilities clean andsanitary?

■■ Are all work areas adequately illuminated?

■■ Are pits and floor openings covered or otherwiseguarded?

■■ Have all confined spaces been evaluated forcompliance with 29 CFR 1910.146?

WALKWAYS

■■ Are aisles and passageways kept clear?

■■ Are aisles and walkways marked as appropriate?

■■ Are wet surfaces covered with non-slip materials?

■■ Are holes in the floor, sidewalk or other walkingsurface repaired properly, covered or otherwisemade safe?

■■ Is there safe clearance for walking in aisles wheremotorized or mechanical handling equipment isoperating?

■■ Are materials or equipment stored in such a waythat sharp projectives will not interfere with thewalkway?

■■ Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?

■■ Are changes of direction or elevations readilyidentifiable?

■■ Are aisles or walkways that pass near moving oroperating machinery, welding operations or similaroperations arranged so employees will not besubjected to potential hazards?

■■ Is adequate headroom provided for the entirelength of any aisle or walkway?

■■ Are standard guardrails provided wherever aisle orwalkway surfaces are elevated more than 30 inches(76.20 centimeters) above any adjacent floor or theground?

■■ Are bridges provided over conveyors and similarhazards?

FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS

■■ Are floor openings guarded by a cover, a guardrail,or equivalent on all sides (except at entrance tostairways or ladders)?

■■ Are toeboards installed around the edges of perma-nent floor opening (where persons may pass belowthe opening)?

■■ Are skylight screens of such construction andmounting that they will withstand a load of at least200 pounds (90 kilograms)?

■■ Is the glass in the windows, doors, glass walls, etc.,which are subject to human impact, of sufficientthickness and type for the condition of use?

■■ Are grates or similar type covers over floor open-ings such as floor drains of such design that foottraffic or rolling equipment will not be affected bythe grate spacing?

■■ Are unused portions of service pits and pits notactually in use either covered or protected byguardrails or equivalent?

■■ Are manhole covers, trench covers and similarcovers, plus their supports designed to carry a truckrear axle load of at least 20,000 pounds ( 9000kilograms) when located in roadways and subjectto vehicle traffic?

■■ Are floor or wall openings in fire resistive con-struction provided with doors or covers compatiblewith the fire rating of the structure and providedwith a self-closing feature when appropriate?

STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS

■■ Are standard stair rails or handrails on all stairwayshaving four or more risers?

■■ Are all stairways at least 22 inches (55.88 centime-ters) wide?

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■■ Do stairs have landing platforms not less than 30inches (76.20 centimeters) in the direction of traveland extend 22 inches (55.88 centimeters) in widthat every 12 feet (3.6576 meters) or less of verticalrise?

■■ Do stairs angle no more than 50 and no less than 30degrees?

■■ Are stairs of hollow-pan type treads and landingsfilled to the top edge of the pan with solid material?

■■ Are step risers on stairs uniform from top tobottom?

■■ Are steps on stairs and stairways designed orprovided with a surface that renders them slipresistant?

■■ Are stairway handrails located between 30 (76.20centimeters) and 34 inches (86.36 centimeters)above the leading edge of stair treads?

■■ Do stairway handrails have at least 3 inches (7.62centimeters) of clearance between the handrails andthe wall or surface they are mounted on?

■■ Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway,is there a platform provided so the swing of thedoor does not reduce the width of the platform toless than 21 inches (53.34 centimeters)?

■■ Are stairway handrails capable of withstanding aload of 200 pounds (90 kilograms), applied within2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of the top edge, in anydownward or outward direction?

■■ Where stairs or stairways exit directly into any areawhere vehicles may be operated, are adequatebarriers and warnings provided to prevent employ-ees stepping into the path of traffic?

■■ Do stairway landings have a dimension measuredin the direction of travel, at least equal to the widthof the stairway?

■■ Is the vertical distance between stairway landingslimited to 12 feet (3.6576 centimeters) or less?

ELEVATED SURFACES

■■ Are signs posted, when appropriate, showing theelevated surface load capacity?

■■ Are surfaces elevated more than 30 inches (76.20centimeters) above the floor or ground providedwith standard guardrails?

■■ Are all elevated surfaces (beneath which people ormachinery could be exposed to falling objects)provided with standard 4-inch (10.16 centimeters)toeboards?

■■ Is a permanent means of access and egress pro-vided to elevated storage and work surfaces?

■■ Is required headroom provided where necessary?

■■ Is material on elevated surfaces piled, stacked orracked in a manner to prevent it from tipping,falling, collapsing, rolling or spreading?

■■ Are dock boards or bridge plates used whentransferring materials between docks and trucks orrail cars?

EXITING OR EGRESS

■■ Are all exits marked with an exit sign and illumi-nated by a reliable light source?

■■ Are the directions to exits, when not immediatelyapparent, marked with visible signs?

■■ Are doors, passageways or stairways, that areneither exits nor access to exits, and which couldbe mistaken for exits, appropriately marked “NOTAN EXIT,” “TO BASEMENT,” “STOREROOM,”etc.?

■■ Are exit signs provided with the word “EXIT” inlettering at least 5 inches (12.70 centimeters) highand the stroke of the lettering at least l/2-inch(1.2700 centimeters) wide?

■■ Are exit doors side-hinged?

■■ Are all exits kept free of obstructions?

■■ Are at least two means of egress provided fromelevated platforms, pits or rooms where the ab-sence of a second exit would increase the risk ofinjury from hot, poisonous, corrosive, suffocating,flammable, or explosive substances?

■■ Are there sufficient exits to permit prompt escapein case of emergency?

■■ Are special precautions taken to protect employeesduring construction and repair operations?

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■■ Is the number of exits from each floor of a buildingand the number of exits from the building itself,appropriate for the building occupancy load?

■■ Are exit stairways that are required to be separatedfrom other parts of a building enclosed by at least2-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings morethan four stories in height, and not less than 1-hourfire-resistive constructive elsewhere?

■■ Where ramps are used as part of required exitingfrom a building, is the ramp slope limited to 1 foot(0.3048 meters) vertical and 12 feet (3.6576meters) horizontal?

■■ Where exiting will be through frameless glassdoors, glass exit doors, or storm doors are the doorsfully tempered and meet the safety requirementsfor human impact?

EXIT DOORS

■■ Are doors that are required to serve as exits de-signed and constructed so that the way of exittravel is obvious and direct?

■■ Are windows that could be mistaken for exit doors,made inaccessible by means of barriers or railings?

■■ Are exit doors openable from the direction of exittravel without the use of a key or any specialknowledge or effort when the building is occupied?

■■ Is a revolving, sliding or overhead door prohibitedfrom serving as a required exit door?

■■ Where panic hardware is installed on a requiredexit door, will it allow the door to open by applyinga force of 15 pounds (6.75 kilograms) or less in thedirection of the exit traffic?

■■ Are doors on cold storage rooms provided with aninside release mechanism which will release thelatch and open the door even if it’s padlocked orotherwise locked on the outside?

■■ Where exit doors open directly onto any street,alley or other area where vehicles may be operated,are adequate barriers and warnings provided toprevent employees from stepping into the path oftraffic?

■■ Are doors that swing in both directions and arelocated between rooms where there is frequenttraffic, provided with viewing panels in each door?

PORTABLE LADDERS

■■ Are all ladders maintained in good condition, jointsbetween steps and side rails tight, all hardware andfittings securely attached and moveable partsoperating freely without binding or undue play?

■■ Are non-slip safety feet provided on each ladder?

■■ Are non-slip safety feet provided on each metal orrung ladder?

■■ Are ladder rungs and steps free of grease and oil?

■■ Is it prohibited to place a ladder in front of doorsopening toward the ladder except when the door isblocked open, locked or guarded?

■■ Is it prohibited to place ladders on boxes, barrels,or other unstable bases to obtain additional height?

■■ Are employees instructed to face the ladder whenascending or descending?

■■ Are employees prohibited from using ladders thatare broken, missing steps, rungs, or cleats, brokenside rails or other faulty equipment?

■■ Are employees instructed not to use the top step ofordinary stepladders as a step?

■■ When portable rung ladders are used to gain accessto elevated platforms, roofs, etc., does the ladderalways extend at least 3 feet (0.9144 meters) abovethe elevated surface?

■■ Is it required that when portable rung or cleat typeladders are used, the base is so placed that slippingwill not occur, or it is lashed or otherwise held inplace?

■■ Are portable metal ladders legibly marked withsigns reading “CAUTION” - Do Not Use AroundElectrical Equipment” or equivalent wording?

■■ Are employees prohibited from using ladders asguys, braces, skids, gin poles, or for other thantheir intended purposes?

■■ Are employees instructed to only adjust extensionladders while standing at a base (not while standingon the ladder or from a position above the ladder)?

■■ Are metal ladders inspected for damage?

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■■ Are the rungs of ladders uniformly spaced at 12inches, (30.48 centimeters) center to center?

HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

■■ Are all tools and equipment (both company andemployee owned) used by employees at theirworkplace in good condition?

■■ Are hand tools such as chisels and punches, whichdevelop mushroomed heads during use, recondi-tioned or replaced as necessary?

■■ Are broken or fractured handles on hammers, axesand similar equipment replaced promptly?

■■ Are worn or bent wrenches replaced regularly?

■■ Are appropriate handles used on files and similartools?

■■ Are employees made aware of the hazards causedby faulty or improperly used hand tools?

■■ Are appropriate safety glasses, face shields, etc.used while using hand tools or equipment whichmight produce flying materials or be subject tobreakage?

■■ Are jacks checked periodically to ensure they are ingood operating condition?

■■ Are tool handles wedged tightly in the head of alltools?

■■ Are tool cutting edges kept sharp so the tool willmove smoothly without binding or skipping?

■■ Are tools stored in dry, secure location where theywon’t be tampered with?

■■ Is eye and face protection used when drivinghardened or tempered spuds or nails?

PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS ANDEQUIPMENT

■■ Are grinders, saws and similar equipment providedwith appropriate safety guards?

■■ Are power tools used with the correct shield, guard,or attachment, recommended by the manufacturer?

■■ Are portable circular saws equipped with guardsabove and below the base shoe?

■■ Are circular saw guards checked to assure they arenot wedged up, thus leaving the lower portion ofthe blade unguarded?

■■ Are rotating or moving parts of equipment guardedto prevent physical contact?

■■ Are all cord-connected, electrically operated toolsand equipment effectively grounded or of theapproved double insulated type?

■■ Are effective guards in place over belts, pulleys,chains, sprockets, on equipment such as concretemixers, and air compressors?

■■ Are portable fans provided with full guards orscreens having openings 1/2 inch (1.2700 centime-ters) or less?

■■ Is hoisting equipment available and used for liftingheavy objects, and are hoist ratings and characteris-tics appropriate for the task?

■■ Are ground-fault circuit interrupters provided on alltemporary electrical 15 and 20 ampere circuits,used during periods of construction?

■■ Are pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power-operated tools checked regularly for deteriorationor damage?

ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT GRINDERS

■■ Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within 1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeters) of the wheel?

■■ Is the adjustable tongue on the top side of thegrinder used and kept adjusted to within 1/4 inch(0.6350 centimeters) of the wheel?

■■ Do side guards cover the spindle, nut, and flangeand 75 percent of the wheel diameter?

■■ Are bench and pedestal grinders permanentlymounted?

■■ Are goggles or face shields always worn whengrinding?

■■ Is the maximum RPM rating of each abrasivewheel compatible with the RPM rating of thegrinder motor?

■■ Are fixed or permanently mounted grinders con-nected to their electrical supply system withmetallic conduit or other permanent wiringmethod?

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■■ Does each grinder have an individual on and offcontrol switch?

■■ Is each electrically operated grinder effectivelygrounded?

■■ Before new abrasive wheels are mounted, are theyvisually inspected and ring tested?

■■ Are dust collectors and powered exhausts providedon grinders used in operations that produce largeamounts of dust?

■■ Are splash guards mounted on grinders that usecoolant to prevent the coolant reaching employees?

■■ Is cleanliness maintained around grinders?

POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS

■■ Are employees who operate powder-actuated toolstrained in their use and carry a valid operatorscard?

■■ Is each powder-actuated tool stored in its ownlocked container when not being used?

■■ Is a sign at least 7 inches (17.78 centimeters) by 10inches (25.40 centimeters) with bold face typereading “POWDER-ACTUATED TOOL IN USE”conspicuously posted when the tool is being used?

■■ Are powder-actuated tools left unloaded until theyare actually ready to be used?

■■ Are powder-actuated tools inspected for obstruc-tions or defects each day before use?

■■ Do powder-actuated tool operators have and useappropriate personal protective equipment such ashard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes and earprotectors?

MACHINE GUARDING

■■ Is there a training program to instruct employees onsafe methods of machine operation?

■■ Is there adequate supervision to ensure that em-ployees are following safe machine operatingprocedures?

■■ Is there a regular program of safety inspection ofmachinery and equipment?

■■ Is all machinery and equipment kept clean andproperly maintained?

■■ Is sufficient clearance provided around and be-tween machines to allow for safe operations, set upand servicing, material handling and waste re-moval?

■■ Is equipment and machinery securely placed andanchored, when necessary to prevent tipping orother movement that could result in personalinjury?

■■ Is there a power shut-off switch within reach of theoperator’s position at each machine?

■■ Can electric power to each machine be locked outfor maintenance, repair, or security?

■■ Are the noncurrent-carrying metal parts of electri-cally operated machines bonded and grounded?

■■ Are foot-operated switches guarded or arranged toprevent accidental actuation by personnel or fallingobjects?

■■ Are manually operated valves and switches con-trolling the operation of equipment and machinesclearly identified and readily accessible?

■■ Are all emergency stop buttons colored red?

■■ Are all pulleys and belts that are within 7 feet(2.1336 meters) of the floor or working levelproperly guarded?

■■ Are all moving chains and gears properly guarded?

■■ Are splash guards mounted on machines that usecoolant to prevent the coolant from reachingemployees?

■■ Are methods provided to protect the operator andother employees in the machine area from hazardscreated at the point of operation, ingoing nippoints, rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks?

■■ Are machinery guards secure and so arranged thatthey do not offer a hazard in their use?

■■ If special handtools are used for placing andremoving material, do they protect the operator’shands?

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■■ Are revolving drums, barrels, and containersrequired to be guarded by an enclosure that isinterlocked with the drive mechanism, so thatrevolution cannot occur unless the guard enclosuresis in place, so guarded?

■■ Do arbors and mandrels have firm and securebearings and are they free from play?

■■ Are provisions made to prevent machines fromautomatically starting when power is restored aftera power failure or shutdown?

■■ Are machines constructed so as to be free fromexcessive vibration when the largest size tool ismounted and run at full speed?

■■ If machinery is cleaned with compressed air, is airpressure controlled and personal protective equip-ment or other safeguards utilized to protect opera-tors and other workers from eye and body injury?

■■ Are fan blades protected with a guard havingopenings no larger than l/2 inch (1.2700 centime-ters), when operating within 7 feet (2.1336 meters)of the floor?

■■ Are saws used for ripping, equipped with anti-kickback devices and spreaders?

■■ Are radial arm saws so arranged that the cuttinghead will gently return to the back of the tablewhen released?

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

■■ Is all machinery or equipment capable of move-ment, required to be de-energized or disengagedand locked-out during cleaning, servicing, adjust-ing or setting up operations, whenever required?

■■ Where the power disconnecting means for equip-ment does not also disconnect the electrical controlcircuit:

■■ Are the appropriate electrical enclosuresidentified?

■■ Is means provided to assure the control circuitcan also be disconnected and locked-out?

■■ Is the locking-out of control circuits in lieu oflocking-out main power disconnects prohibited?

■■ Are all equipment control valve handles providedwith a means for locking-out?

■■ Does the lock-out procedure require that storedenergy (mechanical, hydraulic, air, etc.) be releasedor blocked before equipment is locked-out forrepairs?

■■ Are appropriate employees provided with individu-ally keyed personal safety locks?

■■ Are employees required to keep personal control oftheir key(s) while they have safety locks in use?

■■ Is it required that only the employee exposed to thehazard, place or remove the safety lock?

■■ Is it required that employees check the safety of thelock-out by attempting a startup after making sureno one is exposed?

■■ Are employees instructed to always push thecontrol circuit stop button immediately afterchecking the safety of the lock-out?

■■ Is there a means provided to identify any or allemployees who are working on locked-out equip-ment by their locks or accompanying tags?

■■ Are a sufficient number of accident preventivesigns or tags and safety padlocks provided for anyreasonably foreseeable repair emergency?

■■ When machine operations, configuration or sizerequires the operator to leave his or her controlstation to install tools or perform other operations,and that part of the machine could move if acciden-tally activated, is such element required to beseparately locked or blocked out?

■■ In the event that equipment or lines cannot be shutdown, locked-out and tagged, is a safe job proce-dure established and rigidly followed?

WELDING, CUTTING AND BRAZING

■■ Are only authorized and trained personnel permit-ted to use welding, cutting or brazing equipment?

■■ Does each operator have a copy of the appropriateoperating instructions and are they directed tofollow them?

■■ Are compressed gas cylinders regularly examinedfor obvious signs of defects, deep rusting, orleakage?

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■■ Is care used in handling and storing cylinders,safety valves, and relief valves to prevent damage?

■■ Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture of airor oxygen with flammable gases, except at a burneror in a standard torch?

■■ Are only approved apparatus (torches, regulators,pressure reducing valves, acetylene generators,manifolds) used?

■■ Are cylinders kept away from sources of heat?

■■ Are the cylinders kept away from elevators, stairs,or gangways?

■■ Is it prohibited to use cylinders as rollers or sup-ports?

■■ Are empty cylinders appropriately marked andtheir valves closed?

■■ Are signs reading: DANGER—NO SMOKING,MATCHES, OR OPENLIGHTS, or the equivalent,posted?

■■ Are cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regula-tors, hoses, and apparatus kept free of oily orgreasy substances?

■■ Is care taken not to drop or strike cylinders?

■■ Unless secured on special trucks, are regulatorsremoved and valve-protection caps put in placebefore moving cylinders?

■■ Do cylinders without fixed hand wheels have keys,handles, or non-adjustable wrenches on stemvalves when in service?

■■ Are liquefied gases stored and shipped valve-endup with valve covers in place?

■■ Are provisions made to never crack a fuel gascylinder valve near sources of ignition?

■■ Before a regulator is removed, is the valve closedand gas released from the regulator?

■■ Is red used to identify the acetylene (and other fuel-gas) hose, green for oxygen hose, and black forinert gas and air hose?

■■ Are pressure-reducing regulators used only for thegas and pressures for which they are intended?

■■ Is open circuit (No Load) voltage of arc weldingand cutting machines as low as possible and not inexcess of the recommended limits?

■■ Under wet conditions, are automatic controls forreducing no load voltage used?

■■ Is grounding of the machine frame and safetyground connections of portable machines checkedperiodically?

■■ Are electrodes removed from the holders when notin use?

■■ Is it required that electric power to the welder beshut off when no one is in attendance?

■■ Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment availablefor immediate use?

■■ Is the welder forbidden to coil or loop weldingelectrode cable around his body?

■■ Are wet machines thoroughly dried and testedbefore being used?

■■ Are work and electrode lead cables frequentlyinspected for wear and damage, and replaced whenneeded?

■■ Do means for connecting cable lengths haveadequate insulation?

■■ When the object to be welded cannot be moved andfire hazards cannot be removed, are shields used toconfine heat, sparks, and slag?

■■ Are fire watchers assigned when welding or cuttingis performed in locations where a serious fire mightdevelop?

■■ Are combustible floors kept wet, covered by dampsand, or protected by fire-resistant shields?

■■ When floors are wet down, are personnel protectedfrom possible electrical shock?

■■ When welding is done on metal walls, are precau-tions taken to protect combustibles on the otherside?

■■ Before hot work is begun, are used drums, barrels,tanks, and other containers so thoroughly cleanedthat no substances remain that could explode,ignite, or produce toxic vapors?

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■■ Is it required that eye protection helmets, handshields and goggles meet appropriate standards?

■■ Are employees exposed to the hazards created bywelding, cutting, or brazing operations protectedwith personal protective equipment and clothing?

■■ Is a check made for adequate ventilation in andwhere welding or cutting is performed?

■■ When working in confined places, are environmen-tal monitoring tests taken and means provided forquick removal of welders in case of an emergency?

COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR

■■ Are compressors equipped with pressure reliefvalves, and pressure gauges?

■■ Are compressor air intakes installed and equippedso as to ensure that only clean uncontaminated airenters the compressor?

■■ Are air filters installed on the compressor intake?

■■ Are compressors operated and lubricated in accor-dance with the manufacturer’s recommendations?

■■ Are safety devices on compressed air systemschecked frequently?

■■ Before any repair work is done on the pressuresystem of a compressor, is the pressure bled off andthe system locked-out?

■■ Are signs posted to warn of the automatic startingfeature of the compressors?

■■ Is the belt drive system totally enclosed to provideprotection for the front, back, top, and sides?

■■ Is it strictly prohibited to direct compressed airtowards a person?

■■ Are employees prohibited from using highlycompressed air for cleaning purposes?

■■ If compressed air is used for cleaning off clothing,is the pressure reduced to less than 10 psi?

■■ When using compressed air for cleaning, doemployees wear protective chip guarding andpersonal protective equipment?

■■ Are safety chains or other suitable locking devicesused at couplings of high pressure hose lines wherea connection failure would create a hazard?

■■ Before compressed air is used to empty containersof liquid, is the safe working pressure of thecontainer checked?

■■ When compressed air is used with abrasive blastcleaning equipment, is the operating valve a typethat must be held open manually?

■■ When compressed air is used to inflate auto ties, isa clip-on chuck and an inline regulator preset to 40psi required?

■■ Is it prohibited to use compressed air to clean up ormove combustible dust if such action could causethe dust to be suspended in the air and cause a fireor explosion hazard?

COMPRESSORS AIR RECEIVERS

■■ Is every receiver equipped with a pressure gaugeand with one or more automatic, spring-loadedsafety valves?

■■ Is the total relieving capacity of the safety valvecapable of preventing pressure in the receiver fromexceeding the maximum allowable workingpressure of the receiver by more than 10 percent?

■■ Is every air receiver provided with a drain pipe andvalve at the lowest point for the removal of accu-mulated oil and water?

■■ Are compressed air receivers periodically drainedof moisture and oil?

■■ Are all safety valves tested frequently and atregular intervals to determine whether they are ingood operating condition?

■■ Is there a current operating permit used by theDivision of Occupational Safety and Health?

■■ Is the inlet of air receivers and piping systems keptfree of accumulated oil and carbonaceous materi-als?

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

■■ Are cylinders with a water weight capacity over 30pounds (13.5 kilograms), equipped with means forconnecting a valve protector device, or with acollar or recess to protect the valve?

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■■ Are cylinders legibly marked to clearly identify thegas contained?

■■ Are compressed gas cylinders stored in areas whichare protected from external heat sources such asflame impingement, intense radiant heat, electricarcs, or high temperature lines?

■■ Are cylinders located or stored in areas where theywill not be damaged by passing or falling objectsor subject to tampering by unauthorized persons?

■■ Are cylinders stored or transported in a manner toprevent them from creating a hazard by tipping,falling or rolling?

■■ Are cylinders containing liquefied fuel gas, storedor transported in a position so that the safety reliefdevice is always in direct contact with the vaporspace in the cylinder?

■■ Are valve protectors always placed on cylinderswhen the cylinders are not in use or connected foruse?

■■ Are all valves closed off before a cylinder ismoved, when the cylinder is empty, and at thecompletion of each job?

■■ Are low pressure fuel-gas cylinders checkedperiodically for corrosion, general distortion,cracks, or any other defect that might indicate aweakness or render it unfit for service?

■■ Does the periodic check of low pressure fuel-gascylinders include a close inspection of the cylin-ders’ bottom?

HOIST AND AUXILLARY EQUIPMENT

■■ Is each overhead electric hoist equipped with alimit device to stop the hook travel at its highestand lowest point of safe travel?

■■ Will each hoist automatically stop and hold anyload up to 125 percent of its rated load if itsactuating force is removed?

■■ Is the rated load of each hoist legibly marked andvisible to the operator?

■■ Are stops provided at the safe limits of travel fortrolley hoist?

■■ Are the controls of hoist plainly marked to indicatethe direction of travel or motion?

■■ Is each cage-controlled hoist equipped with aneffective warning device?

■■ Are close-fitting guards or other suitable devicesinstalled on hoist to assure hoist ropes will bemaintained in the sheave groves?

■■ Are all hoist chains or ropes of sufficient length tohandle the full range of movement of the applica-tion while still maintaining two full wraps on thedrum at all times?

■■ Are nip points or contact points between hoistropes and sheaves which are permanently locatedwithin 7 feet (2.1336 meters) of the floor, groundor working platform, guarded?

■■ Is it prohibited to use chains or rope slings that arekinked or twisted?

■■ Is it prohibited to use the hoist rope or chainwrapped around the load as a substitute, for asling?

■■ Is the operator instructed to avoid carrying loadsover people?

INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS—FORKLIFTS

■■ Are only employees who have been trained in theproper use of hoists allowed to operate them?

■■ Are only trained personnel allowed to operateindustrial trucks?

■■ Is substantial overhead protective equipmentprovided on high lift rider equipment?

■■ Are the required lift truck operating rules postedand enforced?

■■ Is directional lighting provided on each industrialtruck that operates in an area with less than 2 foot-candles per square foot of general lighting?

■■ Does each industrial truck have a warning horn,whistle, gong, or other device which can be clearlyheard above the normal noise in the areas whereoperated?

■■ Are the brakes on each industrial truck capable ofbringing the vehicle to a complete and safe stopwhen fully loaded?

■■ Will the industrial trucks’ parking brake effectivelyprevent the vehicle from moving when unattended?

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■■ Are industrial trucks operating in areas whereflammable gases or vapors, or combustible dust orignitable fibers may be present in the atmosphere,approved for such locations?

■■ Are motorized hand and hand/rider trucks sodesigned that the brakes are applied, and power tothe drive motor shuts off when the operator re-leases his or her grip on the device that controls thetravel?

■■ Are industrial trucks with internal combustionengine, operated in buildings or enclosed areas,carefully checked to ensure such operations do notcause harmful concentration of dangerous gases orfumes?

■■ Are powered industrial trucks being safely oper-ated?

SPRAYING OPERATIONS

■■ Is adequate ventilation assured before sprayoperations are started?

■■ Is mechanical ventilation provided when sprayingoperations are done in enclosed areas?

■■ When mechanical ventilation is provided duringspraying operations, is it so arranged that it will notcirculate the contaminated air?

■■ Is the spray area free of hot surfaces?

■■ Is the spray area at least 20 feet (6.096 meters)from flames, sparks, operating electrical motorsand other ignition sources?

■■ Are portable lamps used to illuminate spray areassuitable for use in a hazardous location?

■■ Is approved respiratory equipment provided andused when appropriate during spraying operations?

■■ Do solvents used for cleaning have a flash point to100°F or more?

■■ Are fire control sprinkler heads kept clean?

■■ Are “NO SMOKING” signs posted in spray areas,paint rooms, paint booths, and paint storage areas?

■■ Is the spray area kept clean of combustible residue?

■■ Are spray booths constructed of metal, masonry, orother substantial noncombustible material?

■■ Are spray booth floors and baffles noncombustibleand easily cleaned?

■■ Is infrared drying apparatus kept out of the sprayarea during spraying operations?

■■ Is the spray booth completely ventilated beforeusing the drying apparatus?

■■ Is the electric drying apparatus properly grounded?

■■ Are lighting fixtures for spray booths locatedoutside of the booth and the interior lighted throughsealed clear panels?

■■ Are the electric motors for exhaust fans placedoutside booths or ducts?

■■ Are belts and pulleys inside the booth fully en-closed?

■■ Do ducts have access doors to allow cleaning?

■■ Do all drying spaces have adequate ventilation?

ENTERING CONFINED SPACES

■■ Are confined spaces thoroughly emptied of anycorrosive or hazardous substances, such as acids orcaustics, before entry?

■■ Are all lines to a confined space, containing inert,toxic, flammable, or corrosive materials valved offand blanked or disconnected and separated beforeentry?

■■ Are all impellers, agitators, or other moving partsand equipment inside confined spaces locked-out ifthey present a hazard?

■■ Is either natural or mechanical ventilation providedprior to confined space entry?

■■ Are appropriate atmospheric tests performed tocheck for oxygen deficiency, toxic substances andexplosive concentrations in the confined spacebefore entry?

■■ Is adequate illumination provided for the work tobe performed in the confined space?

■■ Is the atmosphere inside the confined space fre-quently tested or continuously monitored duringconduct of work?

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■■ Is there an assigned safety standby employeeoutside of the confined space, when required,whose sole responsibility is to watch the work inprogress, sound an alarm if necessary, and renderassistance?

■■ Is the standby employee appropriately trained andequipped to handle an emergency?

■■ Is the standby employee or other employeesprohibited from entering the confined spacewithout lifelines and respiratory equipment if thereis any question as to the cause of an emergency?

■■ Is approved respiratory equipment required if theatmosphere inside the confined space cannot bemade acceptable?

■■ Is all portable electrical equipment used insideconfined spaces either grounded and insulated, orequipped with ground fault protection?

■■ Before gas welding or burning is started in aconfined space, are hoses checked for leaks,compressed gas bottles forbidden inside of theconfined space, torches lightly only outside of theconfined area and the confined area tested for anexplosive atmosphere each time before a lightedtorch is to be taken into the confined space?

■■ If employees will be using oxygen-consumingequipment—such as salamanders, torches, andfurnaces, in a confined space—is sufficient airprovided to assure combustion without reducingthe oxygen concentration of the atmosphere below19.5 percent by volume?

■■ Whenever combustion-type equipment is used in aconfined space, are provisions made to ensure theexhaust gases are vented outside of the enclosure?

■■ Is each confined space checked for decayingvegetation or animal matter which may producemethane?

■■ Is the confined space checked for possible indus-trial waste which could contain toxic properties?

■■ If the confined space is below the ground and nearareas where motor vehicles will be operating, is itpossible for vehicle exhaust or carbon monoxide toenter the space?

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

■■ Are all work areas properly illuminated?

■■ Are employees instructed in proper first-aid andother emergency procedures?

■■ Are hazardous substances, blood, and other poten-tially infectious materials identified, which maycause harm by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorp-tion or contact?

■■ Are employees aware of the hazards involved withthe various chemicals they may be exposed to intheir work environment, such as ammonia, chlo-rine, epoxies, caustics, etc.?

■■ Is employee exposure to chemicals in the work-place kept within acceptable levels?

■■ Can a less harmful method or process be used?

■■ Is the work area’s ventilation system appropriatefor the work being performed?

■■ Are spray painting operations done in spray roomsor booths equipped with an appropriate exhaustsystem?

■■ Is employee exposure to welding fumes controlledby ventilation, use of respirators, exposure time, orother means?

■■ Are welders and other workers nearby providedwith flash shields during welding operations?

■■ If forklifts and other vehicles are used in buildingsor other enclosed areas, are the carbon monoxidelevels kept below maximum acceptable concentra-tion?

■■ Has there been a determination that noise levels inthe facilities are within acceptable levels?

■■ Are steps being taken to use engineering controls toreduce excessive noise levels?

■■ Are proper precautions being taken when handlingasbestos and other fibrous materials?

■■ Are caution labels and signs used to warn ofhazardous substances (e.g., asbestos) and biohaz-ards (e.g., bloodborne pathogens)?

■■ Are wet methods used, when practicable, toprevent the emission of airborne asbestos fibers,silica dust and similar hazardous materials?

■■ Are engineering controls examined and maintainedor replaced on a scheduled basis?

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■■ Is vacuuming with appropriate equipment usedwhenever possible rather than blowing or sweepingdust?

■■ Are grinders, saws, and other machines thatproduce respirable dusts vented to an industrialcollector or central exhaust system?

■■ Are all local exhaust ventilation systems designedand operating properly such as air flow and volumenecessary for the application, ducts not plugged orbelts slipping?

■■ Is personal protective equipment provided, usedand maintained wherever required?

■■ Are there written standard operating procedures forthe selection and use of respirators where needed?

■■ Are restrooms and washrooms kept clean andsanitary?

■■ Is all water provided for drinking, washing, andcooking potable?

■■ Are all outlets for water not suitable for drinkingclearly identified?

■■ Are employees’ physical capacities assessed beforebeing assigned to jobs requiring heavy work?

■■ Are employees instructed in the proper manner oflifting heavy objects?

■■ Where heat is a problem, have all fixed work areasbeen provided with spot cooling or air condition-ing?

■■ Are employees screened before assignment to areasof high heat to determine if their health conditionmight make them more susceptible to having anadverse reaction?

■■ Are employees working on streets and roadwayswhere they are exposed to the hazards of traffic,required to wear bright colored (traffic orange)warning vests?

■■ Are exhaust stacks and air intakes so located thatcontaminated air will not be recirculated within abuilding or other enclosed area?

■■ Is equipment producing ultraviolet radiationproperly shielded?

■■ Are universal precautions observed where occupa-tional exposure to blood or other potentiallyinfectious materials can occur and in all instanceswhere differentiation of types of body fluids orpotentially infectious materials is difficult orimpossible?

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLEMATERIALS

■■ Are combustible scrap, debris, and waste materials(oily rags, etc.) stored in covered metal receptaclesand removed from the worksite promptly?

■■ Is proper storage practiced to minimize the risk offire including spontaneous combustion?

■■ Are approved containers and tanks used for thestorage and handling of flammable and combus-tible liquids?

■■ Are all connections on drums and combustibleliquid piping, vapor and liquid tight?

■■ Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containerswhen not in use (e.g., parts cleaning tanks, pans,etc.)?

■■ Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded andbonded to containers during dispensing?

■■ Do storage rooms for flammable and combustibleliquids have explosion-proof lights?

■■ Do storage rooms for flammable and combustibleliquids have mechanical or gravity ventilation?

■■ Is liquefied petroleum gas stored, handled, andused in accordance with safe practices and stan-dards?

■■ Are “NO SMOKING” signs posted on liquifiedpetroleum gas tanks?

■■ Are liquified petroleum storage tanks guarded toprevent damage from vehicles?

■■ Are all solvent wastes, and flammable liquids keptin fire-resistant, covered containers until they areremoved from the worksite?

■■ Is vacuuming used whenever possible rather thanblowing or sweeping combustible dust?

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■■ Are firm separators placed between containers ofcombustibles or flammables, when stacked oneupon another, to assure their support and stability?

■■ Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylindersseparated by distance, and fire-resistant barriers,while in storage?

■■ Are fire extinguishers selected and provided for thetypes of materials in areas where they are to beused?

Class A Ordinary combustible material fires.

Class B Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires.

Class C Energized-electrical equipment fires.

■■ Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted within75 feet (2286 meters) of outside areas containingflammable liquids, and within 10 feet (3.048meters) of any inside storage area for such materi-als?

■■ Are extinguishers free from obstructions or block-age?

■■ Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained andtagged at intervals not to exceed 1 year?

■■ Are all extinguishers fully charged and in theirdesignated places?

■■ Where sprinkler systems are permanently installed,are the nozzle heads so directed or arranged thatwater will not be sprayed into operating electricalswitch boards and equipment?

■■ Are “NO SMOKING” signs posted where appro-priate in areas where flammable or combustiblematerials are used or stored?

■■ Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable orcombustible liquids at a point of use?

■■ Are all spills of flammable or combustible liquidscleaned up promptly?

■■ Are storage tanks adequately vented to prevent thedevelopment of excessive vacuum or pressure as aresult of filling, emptying, or atmosphere tempera-ture changes?

■■ Are storage tanks equipped with emergencyventing that will relieve excessive internal pressurecaused by fire exposure?

■■ Are “NO SMOKING” rules enforced in areasinvolving storage and use of hazardous materials?

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

■■ Are employees trained in the safe handling prac-tices of hazardous chemicals such as acids, caus-tics, etc.?

■■ Are employees aware of the potential hazardsinvolving various chemicals stored or used in theworkplace such as acids, bases, caustics, epoxies,and phenols?

■■ Is employee exposure to chemicals kept withinacceptable levels?

■■ Are eye wash fountains and safety showers pro-vided in areas where corrosive chemicals arehandled?

■■ Are all containers, such as vats, and storage tankslabeled as to their contents, e.g., “CAUSTICS”?

■■ Are all employees required to use personal protec-tive clothing and equipment when handling chemi-cals (gloves, eye protection, and respirators)?

■■ Are flammable or toxic chemicals kept in closedcontainers when not in use?

■■ Are chemical piping systems clearly marked as totheir content?

■■ Where corrosive liquids are frequently handled inopen containers or drawn from storage vessels orpipe lines, are adequate means readily available forneutralizing or disposing of spills or overflows andperformed properly and safely?

■■ Have standard operating procedures been estab-lished, and are they being followed when cleaningup chemical spills?

■■ Where needed for emergency use, are respiratorsstored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location?

■■ Are respirators intended for emergency use ad-equate for the various uses for which they may beneeded?

■■ Are employees prohibited from eating in areaswhere hazardous chemicals are present?

■■ Is personal protective equipment provided, usedand maintained whenever necessary?

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■■ Are there written standard operating procedures forthe selection and use of respirators where needed?

■■ If you have a respirator protection program, areyour employees instructed on the correct usage andlimitations of the respirators? Are the respiratorsNIOSH–approved for this particular application?Are they regularly inspected and cleaned, sanitizedand maintained?

■■ If hazardous substances are used in your processes,do you have a medical or biological monitoringsystem in operation?

■■ Are you familiar with the Threshold Limit Valuesor Permissible Exposure Limits of airborne con-taminants and physical agents used in your work-place?

■■ Have control procedures been instituted for hazard-ous materials, where appropriate, such as respira-tors, ventilation systems, and handling practices?

■■ Whenever possible, are hazardous substanceshandled in properly designed and exhausted boothsor similar locations?

■■ Do you use general dilution or local exhaustventilation systems to control dusts, vapors, gases,fumes, smoke, solvents or mists which may begenerated in your workplace?

■■ Is ventilation equipment provided for removal ofcontaminants from such operations as productiongrinding, buffing, spray painting, and/or vapordegreasing, and is it operating properly?

■■ Do employees complain about dizziness, head-aches, nausea, irritation, or other factors of discom-fort when they use solvents or other chemicals?

■■ Is there a dermatitis problem? Do employeescomplain about dryness, irritation, or sensitizationof the skin?

■■ Have you considered the use of an industrialhygienist or environmental health specialist toevaluate your operation?

■■ If internal combustion engines are used, is carbonmonoxide kept within acceptable levels?

■■ Is vacuuming used, rather than blowing or sweep-ing dusts whenever possible for clean-up?

■■ Are materials which give off toxic asphyxiant,suffocating or anesthetic fumes, stored in remote orisolated locations when not in use?

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCESCOMMUNICATION

■■ Is there a list of hazardous substances used in yourworkplace?

■■ Is there a current written exposure control plan foroccupational exposure to bloodborne pathogensand other potentially infectious materials, whereapplicable?

■■ Is there a written hazard communication programdealing with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),labeling, and employee training?

■■ Is each container for a hazardous substance (i.e.,vats, bottles, storage tanks, etc.) labeled withproduct identity and a hazard warning (communi-cation of the specific health hazards and physicalhazards)?

■■ Is there a Material Safety Data Sheet readilyavailable for each hazardous substance used?

■■ Is there an employee training program for hazard-ous substances?

Does this program include:

■■ An explanation of what an MSDS is and howto use and obtain one?

■■ MSDS contents for each hazardous substanceor class of substances?

■■ Explanation of “Right to Know?”

■■ Identification of where an employee can seethe employers written hazard communicationprogram and where hazardous substances arepresent in their work areas?

■■ The physical and health hazards of substancesin the work area, and specific protectivemeasures to be used?

■■ Details of the hazard communication program,including how to use the labeling system andMSDS’s?

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■■ Does the employee training program on thebloodborne pathogens standard contain the follow-ing elements:

(1 ) an accessible copy of the standard and anexplanation of its contents; (2) a generalexplanation of the epidemiology and symptomsof bloodborne diseases; (3) an explanation ofthe modes of transmission of bloodbornepathogens; (4) an explanation of theemployer’s exposure control plan and themeans by which employees can obtain a copyof the written plan; (5) an explanation of theappropriate methods for recognizing tasks andthe other activities that may involve exposureto blood and other potentially infectiousmaterials; (6) an explanation of the use andlimitations of methods that will prevent orreduce exposure including appropriate engi-neering controls, work practices, and personalprotective equipment; (7) information on thetypes, proper use, location, removal, handling,decontamination, and disposal of personalprotective equipment; (8) an explanation of thebasis for selection of personal protectiveequipment; (9) information on the hepatitis Bvaccine; (10) information on the appropriateactions to take and persons to contact in anemergency involving blood or other potentiallyinfectious materials; (11) an explanation of theprocedure to follow if an exposure incidentoccurs, including the methods of reporting theincident and the medical followup that will bemade available; (12) information onpostexposure evaluations and followup; and(13) an explanation of signs, labels, and colorcoding?

■■ Are employees trained in the following:

■■ How to recognize tasks that might result inoccupational exposure?

■■ How to use work practice and engineeringcontrols and personal protective equipment andto know their limitations?

■■ How to obtain information on the types,selection, proper use, location, removal,handling, decontamination, and disposal ofpersonal protective equipment?

■■ Who to contact and what to do in anemergency?

ELECTRICAL

■■ Do you specify compliance with OSHA for allcontract electrical work?

■■ Are all employees required to report as soon aspracticable any obvious hazard to life or propertyobserved in connection with electrical equipmentor lines?

■■ Are employees instructed to make preliminaryinspections and/or appropriate tests to determinewhat conditions exist before starting work onelectrical equipment or lines?

■■ When electrical equipment or lines are to beserviced, maintained or adjusted, are necessaryswitches opened, locked-out and tagged wheneverpossible?

■■ Are portable electrical tools and equipmentgrounded or of the double insulated type?

■■ Are electrical appliances such as vacuum cleaners,polishers, and vending machines grounded?

■■ Do extension cords being used have a groundingconductor?

■■ Are multiple plug adaptors prohibited?

■■ Are ground-fault circuit interrupters installed oneach temporary 15 or 20 ampere, 120 volt ACcircuit at locations where construction, demolition,modifications, alterations or excavations are beingperformed?

■■ Are all temporary circuits protected by suitabledisconnecting switches or plug connectors at thejunction with permanent wiring?

■■ Do you have electrical installations in hazardousdust or vapor areas? If so, do they meet the Na-tional Electrical Code (NEC) for hazardous loca-tions?

■■ Is exposed wiring and cords with frayed or deterio-rated insulation repaired or replaced promptly?

■■ Are flexible cords and cables free of splices ortaps?

■■ Are clamps or other securing means provided onflexible cords or cables at plugs, receptacles, tools,equipment, etc., and is the cord jacket securely heldin place?

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■■ Are all cord, cable and raceway connections intactand secure?

■■ In wet or damp locations, are electrical tools andequipment appropriate for the use or location orotherwise protected?

■■ Is the location of electrical power lines and cables(overhead, underground, underfloor, other side ofwalls) determined before digging, drilling orsimilar work is begun?

■■ Are metal measuring tapes, ropes, handlines orsimilar devices with metallic thread woven into thefabric prohibited where they could come in contactwith energized parts of equipment or circuitconductors?

■■ Is the use of metal ladders prohibited in areaswhere the ladder or the person using the laddercould come in contact with energized parts ofequipment, fixtures or circuit conductors?

■■ Are all disconnecting switches and circuit breakerslabeled to indicate their use or equipment served?

■■ Are disconnecting means always opened beforefuses are replaced?

■■ Do all interior wiring systems include provisionsfor grounding metal parts of electrical raceways,equipment and enclosures?

■■ Are all electrical raceways and enclosures securelyfastened in place?

■■ Are all energized parts of electrical circuits andequipment guarded against accidental contact byapproved cabinets or enclosures?

■■ Is sufficient access and working space providedand maintained about all electrical equipment topermit ready and safe operations and maintenance?

■■ Are all unused openings (including conduit knock-outs) in electrical enclosures and fittings closedwith appropriate covers, plugs or plates?

■■ Are electrical enclosures such as switches, recep-tacles, and junction boxes, provided with tight-fitting covers or plates?

■■ Are disconnecting switches for electrical motors inexcess of two horsepower, capable of opening thecircuit when the motor is in a stalled condition,without exploding? (Switches must be horsepowerrated equal to or in excess of the motor hp rating.)

■■ Is low voltage protection provided in the controldevice of motors driving machines or equipmentwhich could cause probable injury from inadvertentstarting?

■■ Is each motor disconnecting switch or circuitbreaker located within sight of the motor controldevice?

■■ Is each motor located within sight of its controlleror the controller disconnecting means capable ofbeing locked in the open position or is a separatedisconnecting means installed in the circuit withinsight of the motor?

■■ Is the controller for each motor in excess of twohorsepower, rated in horsepower equal to or inexcess of the rating of the motor it serves?

■■ Are employees who regularly work on or aroundenergized electrical equipment or lines instructed inthe cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods?

■■ Are employees prohibited from working alone onenergized lines or equipment over 600 volts?

NOISE

■■ Are there areas in the workplace where continuousnoise levels exceed 85dBA?

■■ Is there an ongoing preventive health program toeducate employees in: safe levels of noise, expo-sures; effects of noise on their health; and the useof personal protection?

■■ Have work areas where noise levels make voicecommunication between employees difficult beenidentified and posted?

■■ Are noise levels being measured using a soundlevel meter or an octave band analyzer and arerecords being kept?

■■ Have engineering controls been used to reduceexcessive noise levels? Where engineering controlsare determined not feasible, are administrativecontrols (i.e., worker rotation) being used tominimize individual employee exposure to noise?

■■ Is approved hearing protective equipment (noiseattenuating devices) available to every employeeworking in noisy areas?

■■ Have you tried isolating noisy machinery from therest of your operation?

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■■ If you use ear protectors, are employees properlyfitted and instructed in their use?

■■ Are employees in high noise areas given periodicaudiometric testing to ensure that you have aneffective hearing protection system?

FUELING

■■ Is it prohibited to fuel an internal combustionengine with a flammable liquid while the engine isrunning?

■■ Are fueling operations done in such a manner thatlikelihood of spillage will be minimal?

■■ When spillage occurs during fueling operations, isthe spilled fuel washed away completely, evapo-rated, or other measures taken to control vaporsbefore restarting the engine?

■■ Are fuel tank caps replaced and secured beforestarting the engine?

■■ In fueling operations, is there always metal contactbetween the container and the fuel tank?

■■ Are fueling hoses of a type designed to handle thespecific type of fuel?

■■ Is it prohibited to handle or transfer gasoline inopen containers?

■■ Are open lights, open flames, sparking, or arcingequipment prohibited near fueling or transfer offuel operations?

■■ Is smoking prohibited in the vicinity of fuelingoperations?

■■ Are fueling operators prohibited in buildings orother enclosed areas that are not specificallyventilated for this purpose?

■■ Where fueling or transfer of fuel is done through agravity flow system, are the nozzles of the self-closing type?

IDENTIFICATION OF PIPING SYSTEMS

■■ When nonpotable water is piped through a facility,are outlets or taps posted to alert employees that itis unsafe and not to be used for drinking, washingor other personal use?

■■ When hazardous substances are transportedthrough above ground piping, is each pipelineidentified at points where confusion could intro-duce hazards to employees?

■■ When pipelines are identified by color painting, areall visible parts of the line so identified?

■■ When pipelines are identified by color paintedbands or tapes, are the bands or tapes located atreasonable intervals and at each outlet, valve orconnection?

■■ When pipelines are identified by color, is the colorcode posted at all locations where confusion couldintroduce hazards to employees?

■■ When the contents of pipelines are identified byname or name abbreviation, is the informationreadily visible on the pipe near each valve oroutlet?

■■ When pipelines carrying hazardous substances areidentified by tags, are the tags constructed ofdurable materials, the message carried clearly andpermanently distinguishable and are tags installedat each valve or outlet?

■■ When pipelines are heated by electricity, steam orother external source, are suitable warning signs ortags placed at unions, valves, or other serviceableparts of the system?

MATERIAL HANDLING

■■ Is there safe clearance for equipment through aislesand doorways?

■■ Are aisleways designated, permanently marked,and kept clear to allow unhindered passage?

■■ Are motorized vehicles and mechanized equipmentinspected daily or prior to use?

■■ Are vehicles shut off and brakes set prior toloading or unloading?

■■ Are containers of combustibles or flammables,when stacked while being moved, always separatedby dunnage sufficient to provide stability?

■■ Are dock boards (bridge plates) used when loadingor unloading operations are taking place betweenvehicles and docks?

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■■ Are trucks and trailers secured from movementduring loading and unloading operations?

■■ Are dock plates and loading ramps constructed andmaintained with sufficient strength to supportimposed loading?

■■ Are hand trucks maintained in safe operatingcondition?

■■ Are chutes equipped with sideboards of sufficientheight to prevent the materials being handled fromfalling off?

■■ Are chutes and gravity roller sections firmly placedor secured to prevent displacement?

■■ At the delivery end of the rollers or chutes, areprovisions made to brake the movement of thehandled materials?

■■ Are pallets usually inspected before being loadedor moved?

■■ Are hooks with safety latches or other arrange-ments used when hoisting materials so that slingsor load attachments won’t accidentally slip off thehoist hooks?

■■ Are securing chains, ropes, chockers or slingsadequate for the job to be performed?

■■ When hoisting material or equipment, are provi-sions made to assure no one will be passing underthe suspended loads?

■■ Are material safety data sheets available to em-ployees handling hazardous substances?

TRANSPORTING EMPLOYEES ANDMATERIALS

■■ Do employees who operate vehicles on publicthoroughfares have valid operator’s licenses?

■■ When seven or more employees are regularlytransported in a van, bus or truck, is the operator’slicense appropriate for the class of vehicle beingdriven?

■■ Is each van, bus or truck used regularly to transportemployees equipped with an adequate number ofseats?

■■ When employees are transported by truck, areprovisions provided to prevent their falling fromthe vehicle?

■■ Are vehicles used to transport employees equippedwith lamps, brakes, horns, mirrors, windshields andturn signals and are they in good repair?

■■ Are transport vehicles provided with handrails,steps, stirrups or similar devices, so placed andarranged that employees can safely mount ordismount?

■■ Are employee transport vehicles equipped at alltimes with at least two reflective type flares?

■■ Is a full charged fire extinguisher, in good condi-tion, with at least 4 B:C rating maintained in eachemployee transport vehicle?

■■ When cutting tools or tools with sharp edges arecarried in passenger compartments of employeetransport vehicles, are they placed in closed boxesor containers which are secured in place?

■■ Are employees prohibited from riding on top ofany load which can shift, topple, or otherwisebecome unstable?

CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES BYVENTILATION

■■ Is the volume and velocity of air in each exhaustsystem sufficient to gather the dusts, fumes, mists,vapors or gases to be controlled, and to conveythem to a suitable point of disposal?

■■ Are exhaust inlets, ducts and plenums designed,constructed, and supported to prevent collapse orfailure of any part of the system?

■■ Are clean-out ports or doors provided at intervalsnot to exceed 12 feet (3.6576 meters) in all hori-zontal runs of exhaust ducts?

■■ Where two or more different type of operations arebeing controlled through the same exhaust system,will the combination of substances being con-trolled, constitute a fire, explosion or chemicalreaction hazard in the duct?

■■ Is adequate makeup air provided to areas whereexhaust systems are operating?

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■■ Is the source point for makeup air located so thatonly clean, fresh air, which is free of contaminates,will enter the work environment?

■■ Where two or more ventilation systems are servinga work area, is their operation such that one willnot offset the functions of the other?

SANITIZING EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

■■ Is personal protective clothing or equipment thatemployees are required to wear or use, of a typecapable of being cleaned easily and disinfected?

■■ Are employees prohibited from interchangingpersonal protective clothing or equipment, unless ithas been properly cleaned?

■■ Are machines and equipment, which process,handle or apply materials that could be injurious toemployees, cleaned and/or decontaminated beforebeing overhauled or placed in storage?

■■ Are employees prohibited from smoking or eatingin any area where contaminates that could beinjurious if ingested are present?

■■ When employees are required to change from streetclothing into protective clothing, is a clean changeroom with separate storage facility for street andprotective clothing provided?

■■ Are employees required to shower and wash theirhair as soon as possible after a known contact hasoccurred with a carcinogen?

■■ When equipment, materials, or other items aretaken into or removed from a carcinogen regulatedarea, is it done in a manner that will contaminatenon-regulated areas or the external environment?

TIRE INFLATION

■■ Where tires are mounted and/or inflated on dropcenter wheels, is a safe practice procedure postedand enforced?

■■ Where tires are mounted and/or inflated on wheelswith split rims and/or retainer rings, is a safepractice procedure posted and enforced?

■■ Does each tire inflation hose have a clip-on chuckwith at least 24 inches (6.9 centimeters) of hosebetween the chuck and an in-line hand valve andgauge?

■■ Does the tire inflation control valve automaticallyshutoff the air flow when the valve is released?

■■ Is a tire restraining device such as a cage, rack orother effective means used while inflating tiresmounted on split rims, or rims using retainer rings?

■■ Are employees strictly forbidden from taking aposition directly over or in front of a tire while it’sbeing inflated?

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OSHA Assistance

Free Onsite Consultation

Using a free consultation service largely funded by theU.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), employers can find out about potentialhazards at their worksites, improve their occupationalsafety and health management systems, and evenqualify for a 1-year exemption from routine OSHAinspections.

The service is delivered by state governments usingwell-trained professional staff. Most consultations takeplace onsite, though limited services away from theworksite are available.

Primarily targeted for smaller businesses, this safetyand health consultation program is completely separatefrom the OSHA inspection effort. In addition, nocitations are issued or penalties proposed.

It’s confidential, too. Your name, your firm’s name,and any information you provide about your work-place, plus any unsafe or unhealthful working condi-tions that the consultant uncovers, will not be reportedroutinely to the OSHA inspection staff.

Your only obligation will be to commit yourself tocorrecting serious job safety and health hazards—acommitment which you are expected to make prior tothe actual visit and carried out in a timely manner.

Getting Started: Since consultation is a voluntaryactivity, you must request it. Your telephone call orletter sets the consulting machinery in motion. Theconsultant will discuss your specific needs with youand set up a visit date based on the priority assigned toyour request, your work schedule, and the time neededfor the consultant to prepare adequately to serve you.OSHA encourages a complete review of your firm’ssafety and health situation; however, if you wish youmay limit the visit to one or more specific problems.

Opening Conference: When the consultant arrives atyour worksite for the scheduled visit, he or she willfirst meet with you in an opening conference to brieflyreview the consultant’s role and the obligation youincur as an employer.

V. ASSISTANCE IN SAFETY AND HEALTH

Walkthrough: Together, you and the consultant willexamine conditions in your workplace. OSHA stronglyencourages maximum employee participation in thewalkthrough. Better informed and more alert employ-ees can more easily work with you to identify andcorrect potential injury and illness hazards in yourworkplace. Talking with employees during thewalkthrough helps the consultant identify and judge thenature and extent of specific hazards.

The consultant will study your entire workplace or thespecific operations you designate and discuss theapplicable OSHA standards. Consultants also willpoint our other safety or health risks which might notbe cited under OSHA standards, but which neverthelessmay pose safety or health risks to your employees.They may suggest and even provide other measuressuch as self-inspection and safety and health trainingyou and your employees can apply to prevent futurehazardous situations.

A comprehensive consultation also includes: (1)appraisal of all mechanical and environmental hazardsand physical work practices, (2) appraisal of the presentjob safety and health program or the establishment ofone, (3) a conference with management on findings, (4)a written report of recommendations and agreementsand (5) training and assistance with implementingrecommendations.

Closing Conference: The consultant will then reviewdetailed findings with you in a closing conference.You will learn not what you need to improve, but whatyou are doing right, as well. At that time you candiscuss problems, possible solutions and abatementperiods to eliminate or control any serious hazardsidentified during the walkthrough.

In rare instances, the consultant may find a “imminentdanger” situation during the walkthrough. If so, youmust take immediate action to protect all employees.In certain other situations— those which would bejudged a “serious violation” under OSHA criteria—youand the consultant are required to develop and agree toa reasonable plan and schedule to eliminate or controlthat hazard. The consultants will offer general ap-proaches and options to you. They may also suggestother sources for technical help.

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Abatement and Followthrough: Following theclosing conference, the consultant will send you adetailed written report explaining the findings andconfirming any abatement periods agreed upon.Consultants may also contact you from time to time tocheck your progress. You, of course, may alwayscontact them for assistance.

Ultimately, OSHA does require hazard abatement sothat each consultation visit achieves its objective—effective employee protection. If you fail to eliminateor control identified serious hazards (or an imminentdanger) according to the plan and within the limitsagreed upon or an agreed upon extension, the situationmust be referred from consultation to an OSHA en-forcement office for appropriate action. This, however,has occurred only rarely in the past.

Benefits: Knowledge of your workplace hazards andways to eliminate them can only improve your ownoperations—and the management of your firm. Youwill get professional advice and assistance on thecorrection of workplace hazards and benefit fromonsite training and assistance provided by the consult-ant to you and your employees. The consultant canhelp you establish or strengthen an employee safetyand health program, making safety and health activitiesroutine considerations rather than crisis-orientedresponses.

In many states, employers may participate in OSHA’s“Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Pro-gram”—SHARP. This program is designed to provideincentives and support to smaller, high-hazard employ-ers to develop, implement and continuously improveeffective safety and health programs at theirworksite(s). SHARP provides for recognition ofemployers who have demonstrated exemplary achieve-ments in workplace safety and health by receiving acomprehensive safety and health consultation visit,correcting all workplace safety and health hazards,adopting and implementing effective safety and healthmanagement systems, and agreeing to request furtherconsultative visits if major changes in working condi-tions or processes occur which may introduce newhazards. Employers who meet these specific SHARPrequirements may be removed from OSHA’s pro-grammed inspection list for a period of 1 year.

The Onsite Consultants WILL :

Help you recognize hazards in your workplace,

Suggest general approaches or options for solving asafety or health problem,

Identify kinds of help available if you need furtherassistance,

Provide you with a written report summarizingfindings,

Assist you to develop or maintain an effectivesafety and health program,

Provide training and education for you and youremployees, and

Recommend you for a 1-year exclusion fromOSHA programmed inspections, once programcriteria are met.

The Onsite Consultants WILL NOT:

Issue citations or propose penalties for violations ofOSHA standards,

Report possible violations to OSHA enforcementstaff, or

Guarantee that your workplace will “pass” anOSHA inspection.

For more information concerning consultationassistance, see the list of consultation projects inAppendix E.

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) providean opportunity for labor, management, and governmentto work together cooperatively to further the goal ofproviding effective safety and health protection in theworkplace. The VPP grant recognition to worksitesthat provide or are committed to providing effectiveprotection for their employees through implementationof systematically managed safety and health programs.The Star Program is for worksites that have at least 1year’s experience with an effectively implementedsafety and health program. The Merit Program is forworksites working toward an effectively implementedprogram. The Demonstration Program is for worksiteswith programs at Star quality but have some aspect oftheir program that requires further study by OSHA. Allparticipants work in partnership with OSHA andprovide models for OSHA and for their industries. Forfurther information, either contact your OSHA regionaloffice listed in Appendix E, or OSHA’s Division ofVoluntary Programs (202-219-7266) at U.S. Depart-ment of Labor, Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW,Room N3700, Washington, DC 20210.

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Voluntary Protection Programs ParticipantsAssociation (VPPPA)

The VPPPA has members in most states where thefederal OSHA program operates and in many stateswhere state plans are in force. The VPPPA is willingto provide information, outreach, and mentoring to helpworksites improve their safety and health programs.Chapters of the National Association have been formedin most OSHA regions. Members of these chaptersalso are willing to provide the kind of assistanceprovided by the national organization. In order tocontact your regional chapter of the Association, pleasecall or write your OSHA Regional Office listed in theback of this publication. They will be able to provideyou with the address and telephone number of thechapter in your region. To contact the VPPPA nationalorganization, please call (703) 761-1146 or write to thefollowing address:

Voluntary Protection Programs ParticipantsAssociation

7600 East Leesburg PikeSuite 440Falls Church, VA 22043

States with Approved Plans

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Actencourages each state to assume the fullest responsibil-ity for the administration and enforcement of occupa-tional safety and health programs.

For example, federal law permits any state to assertjurisdiction, under state law, over any occupationalsafety or health standard not covered by a federalstandard.

In addition, any state may assume responsibility for thedevelopment and enforcement of its own occupationalsafety and health standards for those areas now coveredby federal standards. However, the state must firstsubmit a plan for approval by the Labor Department’sOccupational Safety and Health Administration. Manystates have done so.

Certain states are now operating under approved stateplans. These states may have adopted the existingfederal standards or may have developed their ownstandards. Some states also have changed the requiredposter. You need to know whether you are covered bya state plan operation, or are subject to the federalprogram, in order to determine which set of standardsand regulations (federal or state) apply to you. Theeasiest way to determine this is to call the nearestOSHA area office.

If you are subject to state enforcement, the OSHA areaoffice will explain this, explain whether the state isusing the federal standards, and provide you withinformation on the poster and on the OSHArecordkeeping requirements. The OSHA area officewill also refer you to the appropriate state governmentoffice for further assistance.

This assistance also may include the free onsite consul-tation visits described earlier. If you are subject to stateenforcement, you should also take advantage of thisservice.

See list of OSHA-approved state plans in Appendix E.

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Emergencies

For life-threatening situations, call (800) 321-OSHA.Complaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHAarea or state office for help.

For further information on any OSHA program,contact your nearest OSHA area or regional officelisted in this publication.

Other Sources of Help

Workers’ Compensation Carriers and Other Insur-ance Companies

Many workers’ compensation carriers as well as manyliability and fire insurance companies conduct peri-odic inspections and visits to evaluate safety andhealth hazards. Managers of small and medium-sizedbusinesses need to know what services are availablefrom these sources. Contact your carrier and see whatit has to offer.

Trade Associations and Employer Groups

Because of the increase in job safety and healthawareness resulting from OSHA activities, many tradeassociations and employer groups have put a newemphasis on safety and health matters to better servetheir members. If you are a member of such a group,find out how it is assisting its members. If you are nota member, find out if these groups are circulating theirmaterials to nonmembers, as many do.

Trade Unions and Employee Groups

If your employees are organized, set up some commu-nications, as you do in normal labor relations, to getcoordinated action on hazards in your business.Safety and health is one area where advance planningwill produce action on common goals. Many tradeunions have safety and health expertise that they arewilling to share.

The National Safety Council and Local Chapters

The National Safety Council has a broad range ofinformation services available. If you have a localchapter of the NSC, you can call or visit to see howyou can use materials pertaining to your business. Ifthere is no chapter nearby, you can write:

National Safety Council1121 Spring Lake DriveItasca, IL 60143-3201

Professional Associations

The following Professional Associations are an addi-tional resource that may be able to provide assistance toyou:

American Society of Safety Engineers1800 East Oakton StreetDes Plaines, IL 60018-2187

American Industrial Hygiene Association2700 Prosperity AvenueSuite 250Fairfax, VA 22031-4319

American Conference of Governmental IndustrialHygienists1330 Kemper Meadow DriveCincinnati, Ohio 45240

For Specific Medical Consultation

Talk to your local doctors or clinics and see if one ofthem will advise you on workplace medical matters ona consulting basis.

You can contact your local Red Cross Chapter forassistance in first-aid training. If you cannot locate alocal chapter, write:

American National Red CrossNational HeadquartersSafety Programs2025 18th and E Streets, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20006

Your Local Library

Many local or university libraries contain informationon specific safety and health subjects pertaining to yourbusiness.

These materials are usually in reference rooms ortechnical subject areas. Ask your librarian what isavailable. The library may be able to obtain materialfor you, through inter-library loan, purchase, etc.

Two basic publications of the National Safety Councilwill give you many sources of technical information.The Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Opera-tions is a basic reference book for all safety and healthwork. The second, Fundamentals of Industrial Hy-giene, contains excellent information on toxic materialsand recommended health and hygiene practices. Bothof these references have other sources listed at the endof each chapter that may help you in solving specificproblems.

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Financing Workplace Improvement

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is autho-rized to make loans to assist small businesses to meetOSHA standards. Because SBA’s definition of a“small” business varies from industry to industry, it isadvisable to contact your local SBA field office and askwhether you qualify.

If you have not been inspected by OSHA, now is thetime to seek consultation to learn whether your work-place will require any improvements—and how muchthe improvements are going to cost. This can be doneby calling your OSHA Regional Office. Staff there canassist you in assessing what improvements are neededand which standards relate to the condition(s) to becorrected.

A helpful hint, if you decide to apply for an SBA loan:experience indicates that most delays in processingSBA/OSHA loans are due to applications which eitherdo not (1) adequately describe each workplace condi-tion to be corrected and identify one or more OSHAstandard(s) applicable to the condition to be corrected,or (2) provide a reasonable estimate of the cost tocorrect each condition.

In most cases, safety hazards can be corrected withoutfinancial assistance. Health hazards may be morecostly to correct. The age and condition of the buildingand equipment are major factors to be considered.

Interest rate information on SBA loans may be ob-tained from any SBA office. They fluctuate but aregenerally lower than you can obtain elsewhere.

In addition, you may wish to consult your own bank. Itpays to shop around for loans.

And don’t forget to check with your accountant atincome tax time, since safety and health improvementsgenerally can be expended or depreciated.

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Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provideup-to-date counseling, training, and technical assistancein all aspects of small business management. In addi-tion to making special efforts to reach socially andeconomically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women,and the disabled, other services include, but are notlimited to, assisting small business with financial,marketing, production, organization, engineering andtechnical problems, and feasibility studies. There arenow 57 SBDC’s—one in every state (Texas has four),the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. VirginIslands, and Guam. Listed below are the lead organiza-tions that sponsor the SBDC and manage the program.

AlabamaJohn SandefurState DirectorAlabama SBDC ConsortiumUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamMedical Towers Building1717 11th Avenue, Suite 419Birmingham, AL 35294-4410PHONE: (205)934-7260 FAX: (205)934-7645E-MAIL: [email protected]

AlaskaJan FredericksState DirectorAlaska Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Alaska Anchorage430 W. Seventh Avenue, Suite 110Anchorage, AK 99501PHONE: (907)274-7232 FAX: (907)274-9524

ArizonaMichael York (Mike)State DirectorArizona SBDC Network2411 West 14th Street, Suite 132Tempe, AZ 85281PHONE: (602)731-8720 FAX: (602)731-8729E-MAIL: [email protected]

ArkansasJanet NyeState DirectorArkansas Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock100 South Main, Suite 401Little Rock, AR 72201PHONE: (501)324-9043 FAX: (501)324-9049E-MAIL: [email protected]

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s)

CaliforniaDenise M. ArendActing State DirectorCalifornia SBDC ProgramDepartment of Commerce801 K St., Suite 1700Sacramento, CA 95814PHONE: (916)324-5068 FAX: (916)322-5084E-MAIL: [email protected]

ColoradoKathryn A. WallaceState DirectorColorado Small Business Development CenterColorado Office of Business Development1625 Broadway, Suite 1710Denver, CO 80202PHONE: (303)892-3809 FAX: (303)892-3848E-MAIL: [email protected]

ConnecticutJohn P. O’ConnorState DirectorConnecticut Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Connecticut2 Bourn Place, U-94Storrs, CT 06269-5094PHONE: (860)486-4135 FAX: (860)486-1576E-MAIL: [email protected]

DelawareClinton TymesState DirectorDelaware Small Business Development CenterUniversity of DelawarePurnell Hall, Suite 005Newark, DE 19716-2711PHONE: (302)831-1555 FAX: (302)831-1423E-MAIL: [email protected]

District of ColumbiaWoodrow McCutchen (Woody)State DirectorDistrict of Columbia SBDCHoward University2600 6th St. N.W. Room 125Washington, DC 20059PHONE: (202)806-1550 FAX: (202)806-1777E-MAIL: [email protected] PAGE: http://www.cldc.howard.edu/~husbdc

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FloridaJerry G. CartwrightState DirectorFlorida Small Business Development Center NetworkUniversity of West Florida19 West Garden Street, Suite 300Pensacola, FL 32501PHONE: (904)444-2060 FAX: (904)444-2070E-MAIL: [email protected]

GeorgiaHenry Logan, Jr.State DirectorGeorgia Small Business Development CenterUniversity of GeorgiaChicopee Complex, 1180 East Broad St.Athens, GA 30602-5412PHONE: (706)542-6762 FAX: (706) 542-6776E-MAIL: [email protected]

GuamDr. Stephen L. MarderExecutive DirectorSmall Business Development CenterUniversity of GuamBox 5061 - U. O. G. StationMangilao, GU 96923PHONE: 011 (671) 735-2590/1/2/3/4FAX: 011 (671) 734-2002

HawaiiDarryl MleynekState DirectorHawaii Small Business Development Center NetworkUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo200 West KiwiliHilo, HI 96720PHONE: (808)933-3515 FAX: (808)933-3683E-MAIL: [email protected]

IdahoJames HoggeState DirectorIdaho Small Business Development CenterBoise State University1910 University DriveBoise, ID 83725PHONE: (208)385-1640 FAX: (208)385-3877E-MAIL: [email protected]

IllinoisJeff MitchellState DirectorIllinois Small Business Development CenterDepartment of Commerce & Community Affairs620 East Adams St., 3rd FloorSpringfield, IL 62701PHONE: (217)524-5856 FAX: (217)524-0171E-MAIL: [email protected]

IndianaStephen G. Thrash (Steve)Executive DirectorIndiana Small Business Development CentersOne North Capitol, Suite 420Indianapolis, IN 46204PHONE: (317)264-6871 FAX: (317)264-3102E-MAIL: [email protected]

IowaRonald A. Manning (Ron)State DirectorIowa Small Business Development CenterIowa State University137 Lynn AvenueAmes, IA 50014PHONE: (515)292-6351 FAX: (515)292-0020E-MAIL: [email protected]

KansasClare GustinActing State DirectorKansas Small Business Development CenterFort Hays State University1301 Pine StreetHays, KS 67601PHONE: (913) 628-5340 FAX: (913) 628-1471

KentuckyJanet S. HollowayState DirectorKentucky Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Kentucky, Center for Business Dev.225 Carol Martin Gatton Bus. & Econ. BuildingLexington, KY 40506-0034PHONE: (606)257-7668 FAX: (606)323-1907E-MAIL: [email protected]

LouisianaJohn P. BakerState DirectorLouisiana Small Business Development CenterNortheast Louisiana UniversityAdm 2-57Monroe, LA 71209-6435PHONE: (318)342-5506 FAX: (318)342-5510E-MAIL: [email protected]

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MaineCharles DavisState DirectorMaine Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Southern Maine96 Falmouth St.P.O. Box 9300Portland, ME 04104-9300PHONE: (207)780-4420 FAX: (207)780-4810E-MAIL: [email protected]

MarylandTom McLamoreState DirectorMaryland Small Business Development CenterDept. of Business & Economic Development217 East Redwood St.Baltimore, MD 21202PHONE: (410)767-6552 FAX: (410)333-4460

MassachusettsJohn F. CiccarelliState DirectorMassachusetts Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Massachusetts-AmherstRoom 205, School of ManagementPO Box 34935Amherst, MA 01003-4935PHONE: (413)545-6301 FAX: (413)545-1273E-MAIL: [email protected]

MichiganRonald Hall (Ron)State DirectorMichigan Small Business Development CenterWayne State University2727 Second AvenueDetroit, MI 48201PHONE: (313)964-1798 FAX: (313)964-3648E-MAIL: [email protected]

MinnesotaMary KrugerState DirectorMinnesota SBDC500 Metro Square121 7th Place EastSt. Paul, MN 55101-2146(612) 297-5770 FAX: (612) 296-1290

MississippiRaleigh H. ByarsExecutive DirectorMississippi Small Business Development CenterUniversity of MississippiOld Chemistry Building, Suite 216University, MS 38677PHONE: (601)232-5001 FAX: (601)232-5650E-MAIL: [email protected]

MissouriMax E. SummersState DirectorMissouri Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Missouri300 University PlaceColumbia, MO 65211PHONE: (573)882-0344 FAX: (573)884-4297E-MAIL: [email protected]

MontanaGene MarcilleState DirectorMontana Small Business Development CenterMontana Department of Commerce1424 9th AvenueHelena, MT 59620PHONE: (406)444-4780 FAX: (406)444-1872E-MAIL: [email protected]

NebraskaRobert E. Bernier (Bob)State DirectorNebraska Business Development CenterUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha60th & Dodge Sts., CBA Room 407Omaha, NE 68182PHONE: (402)554-2521 FAX: (402)554-3747E-MAIL: [email protected]

NevadaSam MalesState DirectorNevada Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Nevada, RenoCollege of Business Administration-032, Room 411Reno, NV 89557-0100PHONE: (702)784-1717 FAX: (702)784-4337E-MAIL: [email protected]

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New HampshireLiz LamoureauxState DirectorNew Hampshire Small Business Development CenterUniversity of New Hampshire108 McConnell Hall, 15 College RdDurham, NH 03824-3593PHONE: (603)862-2200 FAX: (603)862-4876E-MAIL: [email protected]

New JerseyBrenda HopperState DirectorNew Jersey Small Business Development CenterRutgers University Graduate School of Management180 University Ave.Newark, NJ 07102PHONE: (201)648-5950 FAX: (201)648-1110E-MAIL: [email protected]

New MexicoLily TerceroState DirectorNew Mexico Small Business Development CenterSanta Fe Community CollegeP.O. Box 4187Santa Fe, NM 87502-4187PHONE: (505)438-1362 FAX: (505)438-1237E-MAIL: [email protected]

New YorkJames L. King (Jim)State DirectorNew York State Small Business Development CenterState University of New YorkState University Plaza, S-523Albany, NY 12246PHONE: (518)443-5398 FAX: (518)465-4992E-MAIL: [email protected]

North CarolinaScott R. DaughertyExecutive DirectorNorth Carolina SBTDCUniversity of North Carolina333 Fayetteville Street Mall, Ste 1150Raleigh, NC 27601PHONE: (919)715-7272 FAX: (919)715-7777E-MAIL: [email protected]

North DakotaWalter Kearns (Wally)State DirectorNorth Dakota Small Business Development CenterUniversity of North Dakota118 Gamble Hall, UND, Box 7308Grand Forks, ND 58202PHONE: (701)777-3700 FAX: (701)777-3225E-MAIL: [email protected]

OhioHolly SchickState DirectorOhio Small Business Development Center77 South High Street (Columbus 43215-6108)P.O. Box 1001Columbus, OH 43216-1001PHONE: (614) 466-2711 FAX: (614) 466-0829E-MAIL: [email protected]

OklahomaGrady L. PenningtonState DirectorOklahoma Small Business Development CenterSoutheastern Oklahoma State UniversityP.O. Box 2584, Station ADurant, OK 74701PHONE: (405)924-0277 FAX: (405)920-7471

OregonEdward Cutler (Sandy)State DirectorOregon Small Business Development CenterLane Community College44 W. Broadway, Suite 501Eugene, OR 97401-3021PHONE: (541)726-2250 FAX: (541)345-6006E-MAIL: [email protected]

PennsylvaniaGregory L. Higgins (Greg)State DirectorPennsylvania Small Business Development CenterThe Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaVance Hall, 4th Floor3733 Spruce StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6374PHONE: (215)898-1219 FAX: (215)573-2135E-MAIL: [email protected]

Puerto RicoJ. Jorge HernandezState DirectorPuerto Rico Small Business Development CenterCentral Administration-UPRP. O. Box 364984San Juan, PR 00936-4984PHONE: (787)250-0000x2072 FAX: (787)282-6882

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Rhode IslandDouglas H. Jobling (Doug)State DirectorRhode Island Small Business Development CenterBryant College1150 Douglas PikeSmithfield, RI 02917PHONE: (401)232-6111 FAX: (401)232-6933

South CarolinaJohn M. LentiState DirectorThe Frank L. RoddeySmall Business Development CenterUniv. of S. Carolina, College of Bus. AdministrationColumbia, SC 29208PHONE: (803)777-4907 FAX: (803)777-4403E-MAIL: [email protected]

South DakotaRobert E. Ashley, Jr.State DirectorSouth Dakota Small Business Development CenterUniversity of South Dakota, School of Business414 E. Clark St.Vermillion, SD 57069PHONE: (605)677-5498 FAX: (605)677-5272

TennesseeKenneth J. Burns (Ken)State DirectorTennessee Small Business Development CenterUniversity of MemphisBldg. 1, South CampusMemphis, TN 38152PHONE: (901)678-2500 FAX: (901)678-4072E-MAIL: [email protected]

Texas-DallasLiz KlimbackRegional DirectorNorth Texas SBDCBill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development1402 Corinth St.Dallas, TX 75215PHONE: (214)860-5831 FAX: (214)860-5813E-MAIL: [email protected]

Texas-HoustonJ. E. Cadou (Ted)Regional DirectorHouston Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Houston1100 Louisiana, Suite 500Houston, TX 77002PHONE: (713)752-8444 FAX: (713)756-1500E-MAIL: [email protected]

Texas-LubbockCraig BeanRegional DirectorN.W. Texas Small Business Development CenterTexas Tech University2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 114Lubbock, TX 79423PHONE: (806)745-3973 FAX: (806)745-6207E-MAIL: [email protected]

Texas-San AntonioRobert M. McKinley (Bob)Regional DirectorUTSA South Texas Border SBDCUTSA Downtown Center1222 North Main Street, Suite 450San Antonio, TX 78212PHONE: (210)558-2450 FAX: (210)558-2464E-MAIL: [email protected]

UtahMike FinnertyState DirectorUtah Small Business Development Center1623 S State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84115PHONE: (801) 957-3485 FAX: (801)957-3489

VermontDonald L. KelpinskiState DirectorVermont Small Business Development CenterVermont Technical CollegeP.O. Box 422Randolph, VT 05060PHONE: (802) 728-9101 FAX: (802) 728-3026E-MAIL: [email protected]

Virgin IslandsChester WilliamsState DirectorUVI Small Business Development CenterSunshine Mall, Suite 104Frederiksted, St. Croix USVI 00840PHONE: (809)692-5270 FAX: (809)692-5629

St CroixFAX: (809)775-3756 St ThomasE-MAIL: [email protected] St Thomas

VirginiaDr. Robert D. Smith (Bob)State DirectorVirginia Small Business Development Center901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1800P.O. Box 798Richmond, VA 23206-0798PHONE: (804)371-8253 FAX: (804)225-3384

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WashingtonCarol RiesenbergState DirectorWashington Small Business Development CenterWashington State University501 Johnson TowerPullman, WA 99164-4851PHONE: (509)335-1576 FAX: (509)335-0949E-MAIL: [email protected]

West VirginiaHazel Kroesser PalmerState DirectorWest Virginia Small Business Development Center950 Kanawha Blvd. E, Ste 200Charleston, WV 25301PHONE: (304)558-2960 FAX: (304)558-0127E-MAIL: [email protected]

WisconsinErica McIntireState DirectorWisconsin Small Business Development CenterUniversity of Wisconsin432 North Lake St, Room 423Madison, WI 53706PHONE: (608)263-7794 FAX: (608)263-7830E-MAIL: [email protected]

WyomingDiane WolvertonState DirectorWSBDC/State Network OfficeP.O. Box 3922Laramie, WY 82071-3922PHONE: (307) 766-3505 Fax: (307) 766-3406E-MAIL: [email protected]

Associate MembersAnne HopeDirectorSt. Mary’s University Business Development CenterThe Sterns Building, 81 Alderney DriveDartmouth, Nova ScotiaCANADA, B2Y 2N7PHONE: (902)469-2992 FAX: (902)469-4244

Jere CalmesUpstart Publishing155 North Wacker DriveChicago, IL 60606PHONE: (312) 836-4400 FAX: (312) 644-0930

Robert HoganManagement Advisory ServicesA Division of Moss Adams1001 Fourth Ave., Ste. 2700Seattle, WA 98154-1199PHONE: (206) 442-2616 FAX: (206) 233-9214

R. J. SandovalAmericanBank Corpus ChristiP.O. Box 6469Corpus Christi, TX 78466-6469PHONE: (512) 992-9900

Doug DoremusDun & Bradstreet3 Sylvan WayParsippany, NJ 07054PHONE: (201) 605-6731 FAX: (201) 605-6911

Istvan BogyoVallalkozoi Tanacsado Kozpont Kht.4026 Debrecen, Peterfia u. 25.HungaryPHONE/FAX: 011 (52) 447-301

National SBDC Research NetworkMary Ellen BeckNational SBDC Research NetworkState University of New YorkState University Plaza, S-523Albany, NY 12246PHONE: (800)438-6361 FAX: (518)443-5275Electronic Bulletin Board: (518) 443-5264E-MAIL: [email protected]: http://www.smallbiz.suny.edu

Legislative CounselAllen NeeceThomas Cator (Tom)Neece, Cator, McGahey and Associates1050 17th St., N.W. Suite 810Washington, D.C. 20036PHONE: (202)223-8607 FAX: (202)223-8608

Membership Services OfficeJacquelyn Johnston (Jackie)Membership Services DirectorASBDC1300 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 201McLean, VA 22101-3967PHONE: (703) 448-6124 FAX: (703) 448-6125E-MAIL: [email protected]

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APPENDIX AOVERALL ACTION PLAN WORKSHEET

Major Action Steps to be Taken Priority (Assign Projected ActualEach Step a Completion CompletionNumber) Date Date

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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ACTION STEP

Description of Action to be Taken:

Specific Steps Required Projected Problems/ ActualPersons Completion Delays CompletionAssigned Date Encountered Date

1.

2.

3.

4.

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The following statements serve merely as examples ofwhat might be used or modified by employers to helpprevent employee injury and illness.

“The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970clearly states our common goal of safe and healthfulworking conditions. The safety and health of ouremployees continues to be the first consideration in theoperation of this business.”

“Safety and health in our business must be a part ofevery operation. Without question it is everyemployee’s responsibility at all levels.”

“It is the intent of this company to comply with alllaws. To do this we must constantly be aware ofconditions in all work areas that can produce injuries.No employee is required to work at a job he or sheknows is not safe or healthful. Your cooperation indetecting hazards and, in turn, controlling them is acondition of your employment. Inform your supervisorimmediately of any situation beyond your ability orauthority to correct.”

“The personal safety and health of each employee ofthis company is of primary importance. The preventionof occupationally-induced injuries and illnesses is ofsuch consequence that it will be given precedence overoperating productivity whenever necessary. To thegreatest degree possible, management will provide allmechanical and physical facilities required for personalsafety and health in keeping with the highest stan-dards.”

“We will maintain a safety and health program con-forming to the best practices of organizations of thistype. To be successful, such a program must embodythe proper attitudes toward injury and illness preven-tion on the part of supervisors and employees. It alsorequires cooperation in all safety and health matters,not only between supervisor and employee, but alsobetween each employee and his or her co-workers.Only through such a cooperative effort can a safetyprogram in the best interest of all be established andpreserved.”

“Our objective is a safety and health program that willreduce the number of injuries and illnesses to anabsolute minimum, not merely in keeping with, butsurpassing, the best experience of operations similar toours. Our goal is zero accidents and injuries.”

APPENDIX B: MODEL POLICY STATEMENTS

“Our safety and health program will include:

• Providing mechanical and physical safeguards tothe maximum extent possible.

• Conducting a program of safety and health inspec-tions to find and eliminate unsafe working condi-tions or practices, to control health hazards, and tocomply fully with the safety and health standardsfor every job.

• Training all employees in good safety and healthpractices.

• Providing necessary personal protective equipmentand instructions for its use and care.

• Developing and enforcing safety and health rulesand requiring that employees cooperate with theserules as a condition of employment.

• Investigating, promptly and thoroughly, everyaccident to find out what caused it and to correctthe problem so that it won’t happen again.

• Setting up a system of recognition and awards foroutstanding safety service or performance.”

“We recognize that the responsibilities for safety andhealth are shared:

• The employer accepts the responsibility for leader-ship of the safety and health program, for itseffectiveness and improvement, and for providingthe safeguards required to ensure safe conditions.

• Supervisors are responsible for developing theproper attitudes toward safety and health in them-selves and in those they supervise, and for ensuringthat all operations are performed with the utmostregard for the safety and health of all personnelinvolved, including themselves.

• Employees are responsible for wholehearted,genuine operation with all aspects of the safety andhealth program including compliance with all rulesand regulations—and for continuously practicingsafety while performing their duties.”

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This is a suggested code. It is general in nature andinclusive of many types of small business activities. Itis intended only as a model which you can redraft todescribe your own particular work environment.

General Policy

1. All employees of this firm shall follow these safepractice rules, render every possible aid to safeoperations, and report all unsafe conditions orpractices to the supervisor/employer.

2. Supervisors shall insist that employees observe andobey every rule, regulation and order necessary tothe safe conduct of the work, and shall take suchaction necessary to obtain compliance.

3. All employees shall be given frequent accidentprevention instructions. Instructions, practice drillsand articles concerning workplace safety and healthshall be given at least once every _____ workingdays.

4. Anyone known to be under the influence of alcoholand/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job whilein that condition. Persons with symptoms ofalcohol and/or drug abuse are encouraged todiscuss personal or work-related problems with thesupervisor/employer.

5. No one shall knowingly be permitted or required towork while his or her ability or alertness is im-paired by fatigue, illness or other causes that mightexpose the individual or others to injury.

6. Employees should be alert to see that all guardsand other protective devices are in proper placesand adjusted, and shall report deficiencies. Ap-proved protective equipment shall be worn inspecified work areas.

7. Horseplay, scuffling and other acts which tend toendanger the safety or well-being of employees areprohibited.

APPENDIX C: CODES OF SAFE PRACTICES

8. Work shall be well-planned and supervised toprevent injuries when working with equipment andhandling heavy materials. When lifting heavyobjects, employees should bend their knees and usethe large muscles of the leg instead of the smallermuscles of the back. Back injuries are the mostfrequent and often the most persistent and painfultype of workplace injury.

9. Workers shall not handle or tamper with anyelectrical equipment, machinery or air or waterlines in a manner not within the scope of theirduties, unless they have received instructions fromtheir supervisor/employer.

10. All injuries shall be reported promptly to thesupervisor/employer so that arrangements can bemade for medical and/or first-aid treatment. First-aid materials are located in _____, emergency, fire,ambulance, rescue squad, and doctor’s telephonenumbers are located on _____ , and fire extinguish-ers are located at ________.

Suggested Safety Rules

• Do not throw material, tools or other objects fromheights (whether structures or buildings) untilproper precautions are taken to protect others fromthe falling object hazard.

• Wash thoroughly after handling injurious orpoisonous substances.

• Gasoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.

• Arrange work so that you are able to face ladderand use both hands while climbing.

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Use of Tools and Equipment

• Keep faces of hammers in good condition to avoidflying nails and bruised fingers.

• Files shall be equipped with handles; never use afile as a punch or pry.

• Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel.

• Do not lift or lower portable electric tools by thepower cords; use a rope.

• Do not leave the cords of these tools where cars ortrucks will run over them.

Machinery and Vehicles

• Do not attempt to operate machinery or equipmentwithout special permission, unless it is one of yourregular duties.

• Loose or frayed clothing, dangling ties, fingerrings, and similar items must not be worn aroundmoving machinery or other places where they canget caught.

• Machinery shall not be repaired or adjusted whilein operation.

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OSHA has four separate sets of standards: GeneralIndustry (29 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]1910), Construction (29 CFR 1926), Maritime Employ-ment (29 CFR 1915-1919), and Agriculture (29 CFR1928). OSHA has regulations on posting and otheradministrative matters in 29 CFR 1903 and on record-ing and reporting of injuries and illnesses in 29 CFR1904.

The OSH Act also has a general duty clause, section5(a)(1), 29 U.S.C. 654(b)(1), which provides that

(a) Each employer. . .

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employ-ment and a place of employment which are freefrom recognized hazards that are causing or arelikely to cause death or serious physical harmto his employees.

A recognized hazard is a danger recognized by theemployer’s industry or industry in general, by theemployer, or by common sense. The general dutyclause does not apply if there is an OSHA standarddealing with the hazard, unless the employer knowsthat the standard does not adequately address thehazard.

APPENDIX D: OSHA JOB SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS, REGULATIONS,AND REQUIREMENTS

To order a copy of OSHA regulations, use the orderform at the end of this handbook.

After you have obtained a copy of the current stan-dards, those that apply to your business can be identi-fied easily by a process of elimination. Read theintroduction to the subpart heading, then analyze thepossible hazards mentioned, but only in terms of yourworkplace, your equipment, your materials and youremployees.

For example, if you are engaged in retail trade orservice and you do not have compressed gases, flam-mables or explosives on your premises, you caneliminate Hazardous Materials (Subpart H) as notapplying to your business.

If you have any questions determining whether astandard is applicable to your workplace, you maycontact the nearest OSHA Area Office for assistance.Staff there should be able to answer any questions youmay have about standards, as well as give you generalguidelines on methods of implementing them in yourworkplace.

Small businesses are especially encouraged to partici-pate in the development of standards.

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Directory of OSHA-Funded Consultation Programs

Alabama7(c)(1) Onsite Consultation Program425 Martha Parham WestP.O. Box 870388Tuscaloosa, AL 35487(205) 348-3033

AlaskaDivision of Consultation and TrainingADOL/OSHA3301 Eagle StreetP.O. Box 107022Anchorage, AK 99150(907) 269-4954

ArizonaConsultation and TrainingDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthIndustrial Commission of Arizona800 West WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007-9070(602) 542-5795

ArkansasOSHA ConsultationArkansas Department of Labor10421 West MarkhamLittle Rock, AK 72205(501) 682-4522

CaliforniaCAL/OSHA Consultation ServiceDepartment of Industrial RelationsSuite 126045 Fremont StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) 972-8515

ColoradoOccupational Safety and Health SectionColorado State University110 Veterinary Science BuildingFort Collins, CO 80523(970) 491-6151

ConnecticutDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthConnecticut Department of Labor200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, CT 06109(860)566-4550

APPENDIX E: OSHA OFFICES

DelawareOccupational Safety and HealthDivision of Industrial AffairsDelaware Department of Labor820 North French Street, 6th FloorWilmington, DE 19801(302) 577-3908

District of ColumbiaOffice of Occupational Safety and HealthDistrict of ColumbiaDepartment of Employment Services950 Upshur Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20011(202) 576-6339

Florida7(c) (1 ) Onsite Consultation ProgramDivision of SafetyFlorida Department of Labor and Employment Security2002 St. Augustine RoadBuilding E, Suite 45Tallahassee, FL 32399-0663(904) 488-3044

Georgia7(c)(1) Onsite Consultation ProgramGeorgia Institute of TechnologyO’Keefe Building - Room 23Atlanta, GA 30332(404) 894-2643

GuamOSHA Onsite ConsultationDepartment of Labor, Government of GuamP.O. Box 9970Tamuning, GU 96931(671) 475-0136

HawaiiConsultation and Training BranchDept of Labor and Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl StreetHonolulu, Hl 96813(808) 586-9100

IdahoSafety and Health Consultation ProgramBoise State UniversityDepartment of Health Studies1910 University Drive, ET-338ABoise, ID 83725(208) 385-3283

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IllinoisIllinois Onsite ConsultationIndustrial Services DivisionDepartment of Commerce and Community AffairsState of Illinois Center100 West Randolph St.Suite 3400Chicago, IL 60601(312) 814-2337

IndianaDivision of LaborBureau of Safety, Education and Training402 West WashingtonRoom W195Indianapolis, IN 46204-2287(317) 232-2688

Iowa7(c)(1) Consultation Programlowa Bureau of Labor1000 East Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50319(515) 281-5352

KansasKansas 7(c) (1 ) Consultation ProgramKansas Department of Human Resources512 South West 6th StreetTopeka, KS 66603-3150(913) 296-7476

KentuckyDivision of Education and TrainingKentucky Labor Cabinet1047 U.S. Highway 127, SouthFrankfort, KY 40601(502) 564-6896

Louisiana7(c)(1) Consultation ProgramLouisiana Department of LaborPost Office Box 94094Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094(504) 342-9601

MaineMaine Bureau of Labor Stds.Division of Industrial SafetyState House Station 82Augusta, ME 04333(207) 624-6460

MarylandDivision of Labor and Industry501 Saint Paul Place, 3rd FloorBaltimore, MD 21202(410) 333-4210

MassachusettsThe Commonwealth of MassachusettsDepartment of Labor and Industries1001 Watertown StreetWest Newton, MA 02165(617) 727-3982

MichiganMichigan Department of Public HealthDivision of Occupational Health3423 N. Logan StreetP.O. Box 30195Lansing, MI 48909(517) 335-8250

Michigan Department of LaborBureau of Safety and Regulation7150 Harris DriveLansing, MI 48909(517)322-1809

MinnesotaDepartment of Labor and IndustryConsultation Division443 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155(612) 297-5433

MississippiMississippi State UniversityCenter for Safety and Health2906 North State StreetSuite 201Jackson, MS 39216(601) 987-3981

MissouriOnsite Consultation ProgramDivision of Labor StandardsDepartment of Labor

and Industrial Relations3315 West Truman BoulevardPost Office Box 449Jefferson City, MO 65109(314)751-3403

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MontanaDepartment of Labor and IndustrySafety BureauPost Office Box 1728Helena, MT 59624-1728(406)444-6418

NebraskaDivision of Safety, Labor and Safety StandardsNebraska Department of LaborState Office Building301 Centennial Mall, SouthLincoln, NE 68509-5024(402) 471-4717

NevadaDivision of Preventive SafetyDepartment of Industrial RelationsSuite 1062500 W. WashingtonLas Vegas, NV 89106(702) 486-5016

New HampshireNew Hampshire Department of LaborDivision of Public Health Services6 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301-6527(603) 271-2024

New JerseyDivision of Workplace StandardsNew Jersey Department of LaborSTATION PLAZA 4, CN95322 South Clinton AvenueTrenton, NJ 08625-0953(609) 292-3923

New MexicoNew Mexico Environment Dept.Occupational Health and SafetyPost Office Box 261101190 St. Francis DriveSanta Fe, NM 87502(505) 827-2877

New YorkDivision of Safety and HealthState Office CampusBuilding 12, Room 457Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2481

North CarolinaBureau of Consultative ServicesNorth Carolina Department of LaborSuite 105319 Chapanoke RoadRaleigh, NC 27603-3432(919) 662-4644

North DakotaDivision of Environmental Engineering1200 Missouri Avenue, Room 304Bismarck, ND 58506-5520(701) 328-5188

OhioOSHA Onsite ConsultationBureau of Employment Services145 S. Front StreetColumbus, OH 43216(614) 644-2246

OklahomaOSHA DivisionOklahoma Department of Labor4001 North Lincoln BoulevardOklahoma City, OK 73105-5212(405) 528-1500

OregonDepartment of Insurance and Finance/APDOccupational Safety and Health DivisionLabor & Industries Bldg., Room 430350 Winter Street, N.E.Salem, OR 97310(503) 378-3272

PennsylvaniaIndiana University of PennsylvaniaSafety Sciences Department205 Uhler HallIndiana, PA 15705(412) 357-2561

Puerto RicoOccupational Safety and Health OfficePuerto Rico Department of Labor

and Human Resources505 Munoz Rivera Avenue,Hato Rey, PR 00918(809) 754-2188

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Rhode IslandDivision of Occupational HealthRhode Island Department of Health3 Capital HillProvidence, Rl 02908(401) 277-2438

South CarolinaSouth Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing

& Regulation3600 Forest DriveP.O. Box 11329Columbia, SC 29211(803) 734-9599

South DakotaEngineering ExtensionOnsite Technical DivisionSouth Dakota State UniversityBox 510, 210 Pugsley CircleBrookings, SD 57007(605) 688-4101

TennesseeOSHA Consultative ServicesTennessee Department of Labor3rd Floor710 James Robertson ParkwayNashville, TN 37243-0659(615) 741 -7036

TexasWorkers’ Compensation CommissionWorkers’ Safety DivisionSouthfield Building4000 South I H 35Austin, TX 78704(512) 440-3834

UtahUtah Industrial CommissionConsultation Service160 East 300 SouthSalt Lake City, UT 84114-6650(801 ) 530-6868

VermontDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthVermont Department of Labor and IndustryNational Life Building,

Drawer #20Montpelier, VT 05602(802) 828-2765

VirginiaVirginia Department of Labor and IndustryOccupational Safety and HealthTraining and Consultation13 S. 13th StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-6613

Virgin IslandsDivision of Occupational Safety and HealthVirgin Islands Department of Labor3012 Golden RockChristianstedSt. Croix, Virgin Island 00820(809) 772-1315

WashingtonWashington Department of Labor and IndustriesDivision of Industrial Safety and HealthPost Office Box 44643Olympia, WA 98504(360) 902-5443

West VirginiaWest Virginia Department of LaborCapitol Complex Building 3, Room 3191800 E. Washington StreetCharleston, WV 25305(304) 558-7890

WisconsinSection of Occupational HealthWisconsin Department of Health and Human Services1414 E. Washington Avenue Room 112Madison, Wl 53703(608) 266-8579

Wisconsin Department of Industry Labor and HumanRelations

Bureau of Safety Inspection401 Pilot Court, Suite CWaukesha, Wl 53188(414) 521-5188

WyomingWyoming Department of EmploymentWorkers’ Safety and Compensation DivisionHerschler Building, 2 East122 West 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-7786

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States with Approved Plans

CommissionerMaryland Division of Labor and IndustryDepartment of Labor Licensing and Regulation501 St. Paul Place, 2nd FloorBaltimore, MD 21202-2272(410) 333-4179

DirectorMichigan Department of LaborVictor Office Center201 N. Washington SquareP.O. Box 30015Lansing, MI 48933(517) 373-9600

DirectorMichigan Department of Public Health3423 North Logan StreetBox 30195Lansing, MI 48909(517) 335-8022

CommissionerMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry443 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155(612) 296-2342

DirectorNevada Division of Industrial Relations400 West King StreetCarson City, NV 97502(702) 687-3032

SecretaryNew Mexico Environment Department1190 St. Francis DriveP.O. Box 26110Santa Fe, NM 87502(505) 827-2850

CommissionerNew York Department of LaborW. Averell Harriman State Office Building - 12,

Room 500Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2741

CommissionerNorth Carolina Department of Labor319 Chapanoke RoadRaleigh, NC 27603(919) 662-4585

CommissionerAlaska Department of Labor1111 West 8th StreetRoom 306Juneau, AK 99801(907) 465-2700

DirectorIndustrial Commission of Arizona800 W. WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007(602) 542-5795

DirectorCalifornia Department of Industrial Relations45 Fremont StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) 972-8835

CommissionerConnecticut Department of Labor200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, CT 06109(203) 566-5123

DirectorHawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl StreetHonolulu, HI 96813(808) 586-8844

CommissionerIndiana Department of LaborState Office Building402 West Washington StreetRoom W195Indianapolis, IN 46204(317) 232-2378

CommissionerIowa Division of Labor Services1000 E. Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50319(515) 281-3447

SecretaryKentucky Labor Cabinet1049 U.S. Highway, 127 SouthFrankfort, KY 40601(502) 564-3070

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AdministratorDepartment of Consumer & Business ServicesOccupational Safety and Health Division (OR-OSHA)Labor and Industries Bldg., Room 430Salem, OR 97310(503) 378-3272

SecretaryPuerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Re-

sourcesPrudencio Rivera Martinez Building505 Munoz Rivera AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(809) 754-2119

CommissionerSouth Carolina Department of LaborLicensing and Regulation3600 Forest DriveP.O. Box 11329Columbia, SC 29211-1329(803) 734-9594

CommissionerTennessee Department of LaborAttention: Robert Taylor710 James Robertson ParkwayNashville, TN 37243-0659(615) 741-2582

CommissionerIndustrial Commission of Utah160 East 300 South, 3rd FloorP.O. Box 146600Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6600(801) 530-6898

CommissionerVermont Department of Labor and IndustryNational Life Building - Drawer 20120 State StreetMontpelier, VT 05620(802) 828-2288

CommissionerVirginia Department of Labor and IndustryPowers-Taylor Building13 South 13th StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-2377

CommissionerVirgin Islands Department of Labor2131 Hospital Street, Box 890ChristianstedSt. Croix, VI 00820-4666(809) 773-1994

DirectorWashington Department of Labor and IndustriesGeneral Administrative BuildingP.O. Box 44000Olympia, WA 98504-4000(360) 902-4200

AdministratorWorker’s Safety and Compensation Division (WSC)Wyoming Department of EmploymentHerschler Building, 2nd Floor East122 West 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-7786

Connecticut and New York have programs which coveronly state and local government operations.

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Contacting OSHA Regional and Area Offices

The following is a list of addresses and telephonenumbers of OSHA regional and area offices. Theseoffices are sources of information, publications, andassistance in understanding the requirements of thestandards.

They can furnish you the basic publications you need:

1. Job Safety and Health Protection (the OSHAworkplace poster).

2. The OSHA recordkeeping requirements.

3. A copy of the appropriate set of standards.

4. A large selection of publications concerned withsafe work practices, control of hazardous sub-stances, employer and employee rights and respon-sibilities and other subjects.

Feel free to contact these offices by phone, by mail orin person, without fear of triggering an inspection.However, if you request OSHA compliance personnelto visit your place of business, they are required toissue citations if a violation of an OSHA standard isobserved. (We suggest you request a consultation visitinstead.)

Regional Offices

If you are unable to contact your local OSHA AreaOffice, you may contact the appropriate OSHA Re-gional Office for information and/or assistance.

Region I(CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*)133 Portland Street1st FloorBoston, MA 02114Telephone: (617) 565-7164

Region II(NJ, NY,* PR,* VI*)201 Varick StreetRoom 670New York, NY 10014Telephone: (212) 337-2378

Region III(DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV)Gateway Building, Suite 21003535 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104Telephone: (215) 596-1201

Region IV(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC, SC,* TN*)1375 Peachtree Street, N.E.Suite 587Atlanta, GA 30367Telephone: (404) 347-3573

Region V(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)230 South Dearborn StreetRoom 3244Chicago, IL 60604Telephone: (312) 353-2220

Region VI(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)525 Griffin StreetRoom 602Dallas, TX 75202Telephone: (214) 767-4731

Region VII(IA,* KS, MO, NE)City Center Square1100 Main Street, Suite 800Kansas City, MO 64105Telephone: (816) 426-5861

Region VIII(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)Suite 16901999 BroadwayDenver, CO 80202-5716Telephone: (303) 844-1600

Region IX(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* Guam, HI,* NV,*

Trust Territories of the Pacific)71 Stevenson StreetRoom 420San Francisco, CA 94105Telephone: (415) 975-4310

Region X(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)1111 Third AvenueSuite 715Seattle, WA 98101-3212Telephone: (206) 553-5930

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved jobsafety and health programs (Connecticut and New York plans coverpublic employees only). States with approved programs must havea standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federalstandard.

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Area Offices

Connecticut

Bridgeport, CT 06604One Lafayette SquareSuite 202Telephone: (203) 579-5581

Hartford, CT 06103Federal Office Building450 Main Street, Room 508Telephone: (203) 240-3152

Florida

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324Jacaranda Executive Court8040 Peters RoadBuilding H-100Telephone: (305) 424-0242

Jacksonville, FL 32207Ribault Building1851 Executive Center DriveSuite 227Telephone: (904) 232-2895

Tampa, FL 336105807 Breckenridge Pkwy.Suite ATelephone: (813) 626-1177

Georgia

Savannah, GA 31406450 Mall Blvd., Suite JTelephone: (912) 652-4393

Smyrna, GA 300802400 Herodian WaySuite 250Telephone: (404) 984-8700

Tucker, GA 30084Bldg. 7, Suite 110La Vista Perimeter Office ParkTelephone: (404) 493-6644

Hawaii

Honolulu, HI 96850300 Ala Moana Blvd.Suite 5122Telephone: (808) 541-2685

Idaho

Boise, ID 837033050 N. Lakeharbor LaneSuite 134Telephone: (208) 334-1867

Illinois

Calumet City, IL 604091600 167th Street, Suite 12Telephone: (708) 891-3800

Des Plaines, IL 600182360 E. Devon AvenueSuite 1010Telephone: (847) 803-4800

North Aurora, IL 60542344 Smoke Tree Business ParkTelephone: (630) 896-8700

Peoria, IL 616142918 West Willow Knolls RoadTelephone: (309) 671-7033

Indiana

Indianapolis, IN 4620446 East Ohio Street, Room 423Telephone: (317) 226-7290

Iowa

Des Moines, IA 50309210 Walnut Street, Room 815Telephone: (515) 284-4794

Kansas

Wichita, KS 67202300 Epic Center301 N. MainTelephone: (316) 269-6644

Kentucky

Frankfort, KY 40601John C. Watts Fed. Bldg., Room

108330 W. BroadwayTelephone: (502) 227-7024

Alabama

Birmingham, AL 352162047 Canyon Road - Todd MallTelephone: (205) 731-1500

Mobile, AL 366933737 Government Blvd.Suite 100Telephone: (334) 441-6131

Alaska

Anchorage, AK 99503301 W. Northern Lights Blvd.Suite 407Telephone: (907) 271-5152

Arizona

Phoenix, AZ 850163221 North 16th StreetSuite 100Telephone: (602) 640-2007

Arkansas

Little Rock, AR 72201425 West CapitolSuite 450Telephone: (501) 324-6291

California

San Francisco, CA 9410571 Stevenson StreetSuite 415Telephone: (415) 744-7120

Colorado

Denver, CO 802041391 North Speer Blvd.Suite 210Telephone: (303) 844-5285

Englewood, CO 80111-27147935 E. Prentice Ave.Suite 209Telephone: (303) 843-4500

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Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA 708062156 Wooddale Blvd.Hoover Annex, Suite 200Telephone: (504) 389-0474

Maine

Bangor, ME 04401U.S. Federal Building202 Harlow Street, Room 211Telephone: (207) 941-8177

Maryland

Baltimore, MD 21201300 West Pratt StreetSuite 280Telephone: (410) 962-2840

Massachusetts

Braintree, MA 02184639 Granite Street, 4th FloorTelephone: (617) 565-6924

Methuen, MA 01844Valley Office Park13 Branch StreetTelephone: (617) 565-8110

Springfield, MA 01103-14931145 Main Street, Room 108Telephone: (413) 785-0123

Michigan

Lansing, MI 48917-4200801 South Waverly Rd.Suite 306Telephone: (517) 377-1892

Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN 55401Federal Courts Bldg.110 South 4th Street, Room 116Telephone: (612) 348-1994

Mississippi

Jackson, MS 392113780 I-55 NorthSuite 210Telephone: (601) 965-4606

Missouri

Kansas City, MO 641206200 Connecticut AvenueSuite 100Telephone: (816) 483-9531

St. Louis, MO 631011911 Washington AvenueRoom 420Telephone: (314) 425-4249

Montana

Billings, MT 59101US Department of Labor - OSHA19 N. 25th StreetTelephone: (406) 657-6649

Nebraska

Omaha, NE 68106Overland Wolf Bldg.Room 1006910 Pacific StreetTelephone: (402) 221-3182

Nevada

Carson City, NV 897011050 East WilliamsSuite 435Telephone: (702) 885-6963

New Hampshire

Concord, NH 03301279 Pleasant StreetSuite 201Telephone: (603) 225-1629

New Jersey

Avenel, NJ 070011030 Saint Georges Ave.Plaza 35, Suite 205Telephone: (908) 750-3270

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604500 Route 17 South2nd FloorTelephone: (201) 288-1700

Marlton, NJ 08053Marlton Executive Park701 Route 73 South Bldg. 2Suite 120Telephone: (609) 757-5181

Parsippany, NJ 07054299 Cherry Hill RoadSuite 304Telephone: (201) 263-1003

New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM 87102-2160505 Marquette Avenue, NWSuite 820Telephone: (505) 248-5302

New York

Albany, New York 12205-3809401 New Karner RoadSuite 300Telephone: (518) 464-6742

Bayside, NY 1136142-40 Bell Blvd. 5th FloorTelephone: (718) 279-9060

Bowmansville, NY 140265360 Genesee StreetTelephone: (716) 684-3891

New York, NY 1000790 Church Street, Room 1407Telephone: (212) 264-9840

Syracuse, NY 132123300 Vikery Road, North NewTelephone: (315) 451-0808

Tarrytown, NY 10591-5107660 White Plaines Road4th FloorTelephone: (914) 524-7510

Westbury, NY 11590990 Westbury RoadTelephone: (516) 334-3344

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North Carolina

Raleigh, NC 27601Century Station, Room 438300 Fayetteville Street MallTelephone: (919) 856-4770

North Dakota

Bismarck, ND 58501220 E. Rosser, Room 348P.O. Box 2439Telephone: (701) 250-4521

Ohio

Cincinnati, OH 4524636 Triangle Park DriveTelephone: (513) 841-4132

Cleveland, OH 44199Federal Office BuildingRoom 8991240 East Ninth StreetTelephone: (216) 522-3818

Columbus, OH 43215Federal Office Bldg.Room 620200 N. High StreetTelephone: (614) 469-5582

Toledo, OH 43604Federal Office Bldg.Room 734234 North Summit StreetTelephone: (419) 259-7542

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK 73102420 West Main PlaceSuite 300Telephone: (405) 231-5351

Oregon

Portland, OR 972941220 S.W. Third AvenueRoom 640Telephone: (503) 326-2251

Pennsylvania

Allentown, PA 18102850 N. 5th StreetTelephone: (610) 776-0592

Erie, PA 16506-18573939 West Ridge RoadSuite B-12Telephone: (814) 833-5758

Harrisburg, PA 17109Progress Plaza49 N. Progress StreetTelephone: (717) 782-3902

Philadelphia, PA 19106U.S. Custom House, Room 242Second and Chestnut StreetTelephone: (215) 597-4955

Pittsburgh, PA 15222Federal Building, Room 14281000 Liberty AvenueTelephone: (412) 644-2903

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701Penn Place, Room 200520 North Pennsylvania AvenueTelephone: (717) 826-6538

Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, PR 00968BBV Plaza Building1510 F. D. Roosevelt AvenueSuite 5BTelephone: (787) 277-1560

Rhode Island

Providence, RI 02903380 Westminster MallRoom 243Telephone: (401) 528-4669

South Carolina

Columbia, SC 292011835 Assembly Street, Room 1468Telephone: (803) 765-5904

Tennessee

Nashville, TN 372152002 Richard Jones RoadSuite C-205Telephone: (615) 781-5423

Texas

Austin, TX 78701903 San Jacinto Blvd.Suite 319Telephone: (512) 482-5783

Corpus Christi, TX 78476Wilson Plaza606 N. Carancahua, Suite 700Telephone: (512) 888-3420

Dallas, TX 752288344 East R.L. Thornton FreewaySuite 420Telephone: (214) 320-2400

Fort Worth, TX 76180-7604North Star 2 BuildingSuite 4308713 Airport FreewayTelephone: (817) 885-7025

Houston, TX 7705817625 El Camino RealSuite 400Telephone: (713) 286-0583

Houston, TX 77058350 North San Houston ParkwaySuite 120Telpehone: (713) 591-2438

Lubbock, TX 79401Federal Building, Room 4221205 Texas AvenueTelephone: (806) 743-7681

Utah

Salt Lake City, UT 84165-02001781 South 300 WestTelephone: (801) 524-5080

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Virginia

Norfolk, VA 23510AFOB, Room 835200 Granby MallTelephone: (804) 441-3820

Washington

Bellevue, WA 98004505 16th Avenue, N.E.Telephone: (206) 553-7520

West Virginia

Charleston, WV 25301550 Eagan Street, Room 206Telephone: (304) 347-5937

Wisconsin

Appleton, WI 594152618 North Ballard RoadTelephone: (414) 734-4521

Madison, WI 537164802 East BroadwayTelephone: (608) 264-5388

Milwaukee, WI 53203Henry S. Reuss Bldg.Suite 1180310 West Wisconsin Ave.Telephone: (414) 297-3315

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