There is an average of 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries annually in the United States, and that is with OSHA regulations in place. What does OSHA do? OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sets regulations to limit workplace safety risks across the United States. OSHA’s coverage extends across industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and more. Its standards are tailored to address industry-specific hazards, ranging from chemical exposures to machinery safety. All employers are obligated to adhere to OSHA regulations to protect the well-being of their employees. Companies such as Singer Safety understand OSHA’s regulations and how specific safety equipment plays a role in regulation compliance and workplace safety.
Establishment and Mission
OSHA was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Employees across the United States must be aware of their industries’ workplace safety risks and requirements. Employers and managers must understand the related OSHA regulations, including protocols, safety requirements, and necessary training. OSHA guidelines aim to empower employers and employees alike to prioritize safety and minimize risks in the workplace. OSHA also outlines specific employee rights, including the right to safe and healthful working conditions.
Basic OSHA Regulations
What does OSHA do? OSHA sets standards for safety in the workplace. These standards cover a range of aspects of workplace safety, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical safety, machine safety, noise protection, and administrative aspects. Employers must understand the specific standards relevant to their industry and ensure compliance. OSHA guidelines aim to limit the number and severity of workplace accidents.
Hazard Communication
Hazard communication mandates the identification and communication of workplace hazards to employees. Employers must maintain a comprehensive hazard communication program, including labels on hazardous chemicals, safety data sheets (SDS), and employee training on chemical hazards and safe handling practices.
Recordkeeping
OSHA mandates recordkeeping to track workplace injuries and illnesses, enabling employers to identify trends and implement corrective measures. There are specific OSHA forms to log incidents.
Emergency Action Plans
OSHA requires workplaces to have an Emergency Action Plan in place in case of workplace emergencies such as fire, chemical exposure, or significant injury.
Whistleblower Protection
OSHA is focused on workplace safety and worker’s rights, including the right to report violations without fear of retaliation. Employees who believe they have been subjected to retaliation for exercising their rights under OSHA can file complaints with OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program, responsible for safeguarding the rights of workers and promoting a culture of accountability.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is one of the most common implementations of workplace safety equipment. Employers are responsible for assessing workplace hazards, selecting appropriate PPE, providing training on its proper use and maintenance, and ensuring its availability to employees free of charge.
Enforcement and Inspections
Workplace safety regulations are enforced with OSHA inspections. Employers found in violation of OSHA regulations can face penalties and citations, and require corrective action to remedy any errors in workplace safety. Inspections may be scheduled or triggered by complaints, accidents, or referrals.
Safety Equipment
OSHA regulations vary across every industry, and some industries require more equipment and preventative measures in order to comply with OSHA standards. Singer Safety Company understands the need for safety equipment to regulate noise levels, create safety barriers between heavy machinery and employees, regulate air quality, and limit exposure to harmful chemicals.
Soundproofing Systems
Singer Safety Company developed the original industrial noise partition in 1965, providing an effective solution to the issues and safety concerns associated with excessive industrial noise. Our Sound Stropper Noise Control products continue to be recognized as leaders in the industry and have become the nation’s best-known and best-selling line of noise control panel systems, soundproof curtains, and industrial noise reduction panels.
Industrial Curtains
Industrial curtains, also sometimes referred to as industrial curtain walls or room divider curtains, create work zones, block sound, and keep workers safe from industrial hazards while also improving worker productivity. Warehouse safety is a priority for every business, and we help you create the safest possible environment with our industrial curtains.
Vinyl Strip Doors
Vinyl strip doors, or vinyl strip curtains, are clear and transparent PVC strips that are commonly used in doorways to reduce loss of cooled or heated air through doorways, to protect workers, and reduce noise.
Welding Screens
A welding screen acts as an enclosure that creates a safe environment for those working inside the enclosed area and also those outside the enclosure. Welding screens are manufactured with high-quality materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures of welding operations and keep everyone in the vicinity safe from harm.
Singer Safety Company
Singer Safety Company is committed to providing customers with outstanding workplace safety products designed to create a safe and productive work environment and to comply with OSHA regulations. We understand job sites and workplaces can be dangerous places. Singer has been manufacturing industrial barrier protection equipment since 1950. Our products are strategically installed to protect employees, customers, and clients from common workplace hazards of dust, debris, fumes, heat, and noise. Contact our expert team to determine the best barrier protection methods for your construction or building site.
