8 Most Common OSHA FAQs

In this article, we’ll address some of the most common OSHA FAQs. OSHA Training and its program requirements are common topics of concern among healthcare and safety professionals. Effective training is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure a safe and healthy workplace for employees. In this article, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about OSHA and review training requirements that may apply to your organization.

1) What is OSHA?

OSHA has two meanings: 

1. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)- was signed into law in 1970. It was designed to assure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
2. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – is the government agency responsible for enforcing compliance with the Act.

2) Why is OSHA important?

The OSHA Act protects the safety and health of workers. It requires employers to provide a working environment free from recognized hazards which includes taking measures to mitigate the risk of illness, injury, or death. 

3) What does OSHA do?

OSHA develops and enforces standards and a variety of regulations. The agency also offers training, outreach, and assistance to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.

4) What is OSHA compliance?

OSHA compliance is following the safety and health standards that apply to a business in order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and workforce. OSHA requires facilities to provide annual training to staff, have written policies and procedures for employees to access as needed, and requires facilities to have their documentation in order.

5) What are some of the most common OSHA violations?

A list of the top 10 OSHA violations for the healthcare industry includes:

1. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
2. Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.130)
3. Reporting Fatalities/Injuries (1904.39)
4. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
5. OSHA Recordkeeping (1904.4)
6. General PPE (1910.132)
7. OSHA Recordkeeping Forms (1904.29)
8. General Electrical Requirements (1910.303)
9. Fire Extinguishers (1910.157)
10. OSHA Recordkeeping/Providing Records (1904.40)

6) How does OSHA enforce its standards?

Employers are required to submit reports of any fatalities and injuries or illnesses resulting in hospitalization. At the same time, workers can file a complaint and ask OSHA to inspect the workplace if there is a serious hazard or if an employer is non-compliant.

7) What are OSHA penalties for non-compliance?

OSHA penalties can vary from $0-$70,000, depending on how serious the violation. While OSHA training can be time-consuming, it is one of the best defenses to protect businesses from liability. Training is also crucial to ensuring safe working conditions. 

8) What is OSHA training?

OSHA training is safety and health training that employers are required to provide to their workforce. Training requirements can vary based on the industry. OSHA requires all employees to be trained annually. What is most important is the content of the training and ensuring the information is being taught effectively. OSHA also requires training to be documented with the following:

• Dates of training 
• Information covered in the training 
• Names and qualifications of trainers
• Names and titles of attendees

Experience Better Healthcare Compliance

MedSafe is the nation’s leading one-stop resource for outsourced accreditation and healthcare compliance solutions. For over 20 years, we have been providing peace of mind to hospital groups, private practices, and their business associates. Our suite of onsite and online training services, including OSHA, HIPAA, Corporate Compliance and Code Auditing better equip your practice with the necessary tools and skills to achieve and maintain regulatory billing compliance. MedSafe takes a hands-on approach and works directly with your team to uncover issues and define suitable solutions.