Making OSHA Training A Priority In Your Workplace

The number of collective annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations hovered between about 60,000 and 80,000 between 2012 and 2016. Staying on top of OSHA standards is necessary whether you work in construction, industrial work, or a commercial office place. This requires you to stay on top of compliance and training issues. The tips in this article will help you make the right decisions for your training and safety. 

Prioritize OSHA Training in Your Place of Business

Safety should be your main priority, regardless of your area of commerce. Your employees must know that they're working in a safe environment, and you should minimize risks and liabilities when at all possible. Institute an OSHA training program each calendar year. 

This can involve initial training, compliance training, refresher courses, and training for different specialties. These courses can take place in person or virtually depending on what you need. In-person OSHA training will generally cost you between about $200 per course and $500 per course. You can generally choose 10-hour or 30-hour course curriculums depending on what level of training you require. Budget enough for these courses each year and keep everyone in your office certified. 

Choose the training that also extends to safe operating procedures. Many OSHA training companies can teach safety for equipment like forklifts, for example. Improper and unsafe use will make your workplace a hazard. 

Apply New Safety Strategies to Your Company

Set your goals when creating safety standards in your company. Minimizing injuries should be a training concern if you work in a particularly grueling field. Sprains, pain, and fractures are among the most common workplace injuries, according to the United States Bureau of Labor. Safe workers can avoid these injuries and the medical bills and time off from work that they bring. 

Minimizing the pain that happens due to improper equipment handling should also be a top priority. Many people suffer from neck and back pain, for example. Wearing back braces, taking breaks, and working smarter will help reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in your workplace. 

Hire Wisely and Create New Policies and Standards at the Top

Make certain that your safety decisions are made at the management level. This creates a company culture of safety and communication. Consider bringing a full-time safety manager on board. Professional and trained safety managers earn roughly $111,000 per year. This salary cost is worth every dime when you consider the money that they can save you in the long-run. 

Use these tips to apply OSHA training standards in your workplace.