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OSHA Guidelines for Workplace Safety: How to Prevent Complacency

As an employer, you are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and protecting your employees from hazards. Safety Training & Compliance (STC) understands the importance of preserving human life through workplace safety. Here, we will discuss how to avoid complacency in safety practices and keep your employees safe from STC:

The Quickest Way to Reduce Safety Performance is Complacency

Complacency is a dangerous enemy of workplace safety. When employees become too comfortable with their surroundings, they may overlook safety protocols and become less vigilant in identifying hazards. Regular safety training and education are critical to keeping safety practices top of mind for your employees. STC offers various safety training programs designed to meet OSHA guidelines and help prevent complacency.

The Importance of Constant Reinforcement

To avoid complacency, it’s essential to reinforce safety practices frequently. Safety messages should be communicated clearly and regularly through safety meetings, safety memos, or even daily toolbox talks. Employees should also be encouraged to identify and report safety hazards. STC can assist you in developing safety protocols and training programs that constantly reinforce safety practices.

Creating a Culture of Workplace Safety

Creating a culture of safety is critical to avoiding complacency in safety practices. When safety is a priority, it becomes a habit. Employees should be encouraged to report safety hazards, and safety should be a part of your company’s core values. This can be achieved through safety training, safety messaging, and recognition of employees who promote safety. STC can assist you in creating a safety culture that emphasizes the importance of safety in the workplace.

At STC, we understand the importance of avoiding complacency in safety practices to keep your employees safe. By providing regular safety training and reinforcement, you can help prevent complacency and create a safety culture. Remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s up to all of us to prioritize it in the workplace. Want to learn more about avoiding complacency in workplace safety practices? Check out our blog today!

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Bringing Awareness to Workers Memorial Day & OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

At STC, we believe that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of those we do it for, and this month will serve as a reminder of that fact. This year, April 28th will serve the dual purpose of Workers Memorial Day and OSHA’s 50th anniversary. As we work to honor both events, here is everything you need to know about the two momentous days from the safety experts at STC:

 

Honoring Lives for Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for the lives that have been lost while on the job. Each year, companies around the world continue to lose employees to a variety of fatalities, many of which are preventable with the right training and equipment. Please join us in honoring the lives lost at worksites this Workers Memorial Day, April 28th, by making safety a priority in your workplace and keeping your employees educated in their own safety. 

 

Celebrating OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

While April 28th will serve as a day for remembrance, it will also serve as a day for celebrating OSHA’s 50th anniversary. When OSHA became law 50 years ago, the workers of the world united in a massive win for the safety of their jobs and themselves. After fifty years of passing laws, they have continued to make positive changes in the safety of many industries. We are honored to work closely with laws that work to continue our mission, preserving human life. 

 

Our Commitment to Preserving Lives

In 2021, STC is proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary and a decade of safety excellence. We have worked with a wide variety of clients in many different industries to help them create safer work environments, protect their employees and build internal safety cultures. We are proud of our work, and we will always continue to make our mission possible. 

 

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is always here to make it simple. We have been committed to protecting lives since day one of operation. We offer a variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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The Top OSHA Violations Regarding COVID-19 Onsite

As the pandemic continues to spread rapidly around the world, so do the COVID-19 safety precautions intended to keep businesses, and their employees, safe. With the sudden rush of new onsite procedures, many companies have also found themselves with new OSHA violations they have never needed to think about before. Here are the top OSHA violations regarding COVID-19 onsite from your safety partners at STC:

Medical Evaluations and Fit Testing

The most frequently cited OSHA violations during COVID-19 inspections deal with respiratory protection, specifically the lack of medical evaluations and fit testing. Employers are required to provide an employee with a medical evaluation before fit testing them for a respirator. Each time a new respirator is used, the employee must be fit-check prior to using the respirator.

Respiratory Protection Program

The second most violated OSHA regulation dealing with COVID-19 is related to respiratory protection programs. Employers are required to establish, implement or update a respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. They must also provide workers with the mandatory information from Appendix D (Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under Standard). Failure to comply will result in citations from OSHA.

Training OSHA Violations

Finally, the third most cited OSHA violations all deal with training and information. If an employer did not annually provide effective training and basic information as described in Appendix D, they may receive a citation. Employers are required to ensure that their employees are able to demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of COVID-19 workplace safety topics. It is crucial that each employee is able to understand this information to practice it on the job.

If your company is like so many others that are struggling to stay up-to-date on the new OSHA regulations regarding COVID-19, STC is here to help you make it simple. We specialize in providing companies in a wide variety of industries with managed safety services, instructor-led trainings and safety consulting services. Want to learn more about how STC can help your business? Check out our blog today!

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Planning for Projects and Onsite Safety Staffing in 2021

At STC, we believe that it is never too early to start preparing for your business needs in the coming year. Many projects require things like onsite safety staffing and additional safety resources to be completed, and we are here to help you make the most of all your 2021 projects. Here is everything you need to know about onsite safety staffing from STC:

Our Onsite Safety Staffing is a Turnkey Solution

When your company requires onsite safety staffing to complete a project, the simplest solution is hiring STC to help you complete your project the safest way possible. We are your partner in safety, so we will handle all of the payroll, taxes, benefits and necessary equipment for getting the job done right. All you have to do is call STC for a quick fix for your onsite safety staffing.

A Nationwide Network of Qualified Professionals

When you work with STC, you will have access to a nationwide network of qualified safety professionals that are ready to help you with any project. Our team’s experience spans a wide variety of industries, each with a long list of satisfied clients and positive reviews. We can become an addition to your team and help your workforce prepare for every safety situation that might occur.

Our Extensive List of Qualified Industries

  • High-Profile New Construction
  • Manufacturing Shutdowns
  • Renovations
  • Outages
  • Demolitions
  • Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs
  • Contractor-Controlled Insurance Programs
  • Insurance Captives

The Simple Solution to Onsite Safety Staffing

STC makes the entire process of onsite safety staffing as simple as possible, no matter the project or industry. You will have access to top-quality safety professionals that are dedicated to helping your business succeed. We work hard to deliver a partnership experience that puts your needs first, whether you are adding to your team or we are taking on the safety needs of the entire project.

The benefits of hiring onsite safety staffing are overwhelming, and STC is here to help you with every step of the process, no matter how big or small your needs may be. Our team is guaranteed to provide excellent support from start to finish, and all of the highest-quality service you need to succeed. Want to learn more about STC services? Check out our blog today!

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The Top 5 Most Cited OSHA Violations in the Workplace

As anyone who follows OSHA standards knows, there are a ton of possible violations that can leave your business, and employees, at risk. At STC, we are dedicated to preserving human life by helping our clients find and eliminate OSHA violations before a fine or an injury occurs. Here are the top five most cited OSHA violations in the workplace during 2020 from STC:

1. Fall Protection, Construction

Accidental slips and falls are common in the construction industry and can cause significant injury or even death, especially at great heights. Keep your crew prepared for any accidental slips and falls by securing them with the proper equipment they need for safety on the job.

2. Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry

Chemical safety in the workplace is vital to keeping employees safe. In order to avoid any potentially dangerous interactions with hazardous chemicals, all hazardous chemicals must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, with additional training for workers.

3. Scaffolding, General Requirements, Construction

In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported 61 fatalities from scaffolds. Every fatality and injury resulting from improper scaffolding can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards, potentially saving the lives of employees.

4. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), General Industry

Many forms of energy that are common in the workplace, such as hydraulic, electrical, thermal, chemical and many more, can be hazardous to workers if proper precautions are not taken. Proper lockout/tagout procedures can safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases.

5. Respiratory Protection, General Industry

Insufficient respiratory protection is another one of the OSHA violations that can cause permanent damage or death in certain situations. Harmful gases, dusts, smokes and vapors can cause cancers, diseases or death. Compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard could potentially prevent hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.

Prevent OSHA Violations with STC

STC is dedicated to helping companies resolve these issues to protect the lives of their employees and keep operations running as smoothly as possible. From managed safety services to onsite safety staffing and instructor-led safety training, our team is here to protect yours. Want to learn more about how we can prevent OSHA violations? Check out our blog today!

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OSHA Regulations that Employers Should Be Aware of During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused businesses of all kinds to start taking extra precautions to care for the safety of their employees and customers. Safety organizations like OSHA, the CDC and WHO have implemented regulations for businesses that rely on in-person employees to keep their business running. Here are the OSHA regulations you should know from STC:

Understand the Risk Factor Your Job Presents

The new OSHA regulations classify every job type as either low, medium or high exposure risk, depending on a variety of factors. Lower exposure risk jobs do not require contact with the general public or those possibly infected with the virus, while medium risk jobs require it frequently. High-risk jobs have a high potential for exposure to people with the virus, such as healthcare workers, medical transport workers and mortuary workers involved with preparing.

How COVID-19 Exposure Can Affect Your Business

There are a great number of ways in which COVID-19 exposure can affect your business and employees. This is a virus that can cause widespread, extensive outbreaks that will likely affect more than one employee without taking special precautions. Absenteeism is the most likely outcome, with one or many employees needing to take sick leave due to the virus. The virus affects people of all kinds, so many businesses will also notice a change in consumer demand.

OSHA Regulations for Reducing Virus Exposure

Every employer, regardless of risk factor, should take precautions against COVID-19, as stated by the new OSHA regulations. Start by understanding the sources in your business where and how coronavirus infections may occur. Work to isolate these sources to lower infection risk. All workers should be encouraged to wash hands frequently, social distance and practice respiratory etiquette. Any employee with a sickness of any kind should remain at home.

No matter what precautions will work best for your business, STC is here to help reduce your infection risk through COVID-19 monitors and safety consulting. Our team works hard to protect human life and deliver results that keep your employees and customers safe. Want to learn more about OSHA regulations or Safety Training & Consulting? Check out our blog today!

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