Accidents and incidents in the workplace can be expensive, with over $100 billion dollars a year put towards recovery from workplace incidents. All workplaces and employers should do their due diligence to protect their employees and lower the level of risk when it comes to their work.
There are various OSHA PPE standard practices that are in place to help employers keep their level of risk down when it comes to workplace incidents.
While the standards that OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have established vary per industry, there are some general overall requirements that are worth familiarizing yourself with.
What should you be familiar with if you are currently running a workplace? Read on, and we’ll walk you through some OSHA standard basics.
1. Understanding OSHA PPE Standard Basics
PPE, if you aren’t aware, is short for personal protection equipment. It is a term that OSHA has come up with that refers to any and all safety equipment that might be provided to an individual worker.
Elements like gloves, masks, shoes, earplugs, specialized footwear, hard hats, respirators, full body suits, and more all might make up the PPE for a particular job or industry.
There is a legal requirement that businesses live up to the OSHA PPE standards. Failing to provide and adequately train employees in regards to this safety equipment could leave a business open to huge fines and punishments.
2. You Must Pay For PPE
Personal protection equipment can be expensive, which is why some business owners balk at the OSHA requirements. However, the importance of following the government agency’s rules cannot be understated.
It is a legal requirement to purchase and provide the proper PPE for your industry to your team of workers. Failure to do so could come with severe penalties.
OSHA wants to ensure that workers are being taken care of and that no one is put at risk just to save someone else’s bottom line.
3. Industry Specifics Vary Wildly
If you’re planning on investing in PPE soon, you’ll want to do a good amount of research on the specifics of your industry. The requirements and standards that OSHA has laid out vary quite widely from industry to industry.
What one business might need to help provide oil spill cleanup hazard training will obviously not necessarily apply to those working in commercial construction.
Do your research and ensure you are adhering to the OSHA PPE standard requirements that are set down for your industry specifically. If you do your research well, you shouldn’t end up missing anything.
Understanding the OSHA Standard for PPE
If you’re looking to run a successful business, you’ll need to prioritize the health and safety of your employees.
Understanding the OSHA PPE standard practices can help to ensure you’re compliant with the law. It will ensure you provide your team with everything they need to stay safe.
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