You may be able to identify those four letters that spell OSHA, but do you know what they do? How does OSHA impact your business? As a small business owner you may not think you need to worry about OSHA but you do. If you employ one employee you need to worry about OSHA.

OSHA protects the employee and sets guidelines and expectations for the employer. Why will OSHA knock on your door? First, if an employee is injured on the job and seeks medical attention that report is automatically sent to OSHA from the hospital. Next, any current employee or former employee can call OSHA to file a complaint which could result in an investigation.

Are you ready to be investigated by OSHA? Have you done any safety training? Do you have an Emergency Action Plan? Do you have copies of all completed certifications and trainings? Has your CPR, first aid and AED certification card expired? OUCH!!! That is going to cost you!!! You better start checking. Fines from OSHA are in the thousands and now you will have follow up visits and if you don't fix the problem.... Well, let's say you are red flagged and now run the risk of jail time because you are intentionally ignoring the request by OSHA to make changes in your safety program.

To see a list of available OSHA courses click here.

I received a call from a general contractor who had another company do some work on a job site. Well, one of those workers was injured, the hospital sent the report to OSHA and OSHA showed up. The owner of the contracting business didn't even know the person was hurt or that the company is required to have OSHA training. This subcontractor fell off a 9 foot ladder working on a 10 foot deck. By OSHA standards the ladder is too short and where was his fall protection gear? Did they even do fall protection training? NO. His fine started at $10,000. Do you have an extra $10,000 to give to OSHA?

There is a golf course in Central Massachusetts who had OSHA show up because a former employee felt that he was at risk. Why? Because the golf course didn't have respiratory gear for him to wear while he was working in the sand bunkers and they did not supply suntan lotion while he worked in the sun. Can you believe that? Now OSHA knew it was a angry former employee, but they still came to investigate and still required changes to occur. However, they did not receive a fine.

Do you have a story to tell about a visit from OSHA? We would love to hear about it. Contact Us