Your New Year Workplace Compliance Checklist

The new year can bring on a rush of compliance reviews across the workplace. Take time this January to make sure your organization is up-to-date with federal regulations to avoid having to pay unnecessary fines and fees once the new year rolls around.

General regulations

Not every company operates in the same industry, but every business is expected to follow certain OSHA standards. Some of these standards are as simple as hanging the OSHA job safety and health poster in a visible area. Create a checklist and make sure these items get checked off:

• Hazard communication: All hazardous material must be marked appropriately in any office, warehouse or facility, according to OSHA. Companies that regularly expose employees to chemicals must have a program prepared and implemented that covers safety precautions and what to do in the case of an accident.
• Office fires: Workplaces need to have a fire prevention plan available for employees.
• First aid: Medical care and supplies are required in any type of workplace. The medical equipment provided must align with the occupational hazards that may occur at the facility.
• Walking surfaces: Signs and labels need to be available for all walkways, including floors, ladders, steps and platforms.
• Exits: All building doors must be marked appropriately.
• Emergency plan: OSHA recommends all workplaces have an emergency action play ready in case a dangerous situation arises, but it is only required when it is an industry standard.

Previously featured on National Marker's Safety Matters Blog.