What Is OSHA and What Does It Mean for Your Business?

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. It is the primary federal regulator of workplace safety and health. OSHA’s mission is to assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

OSHA is mandated by Congress to ensure that businesses in America employ safe and healthy workers. OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards by providing required safety-training materials and enforcing applicable laws. If a business is found to be in violation of these standards, OSHA can fine the business or even shut it down.

This means that your business needs to take OSHA regulations seriously, as failure to comply can result in costly penalties. Developing safety plans, keeping good records, and training your staff on safety protocols are all great ways to ensure your business is in compliance with OSHA standards. Additionally, understanding common OSHA violations and making sure you are not falling into these traps is key.

Taking proactive steps to ensure your business is following all of the relevant OSHA regulations is important. Doing so will help keep your employees safe, ensure your business stays compliant, and make it more likely to come out ahead in the event of any OSHA investigation.