{"id":4738,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/osha-and-workplace-safety.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T05:20:23","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T10:20:23","slug":"osha-and-workplace-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/osha-and-workplace-safety.html","title":{"rendered":"OSHA and Workplace Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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OSHA and Workplace Safety<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Good business owners want their employees to have a workplace free of safety and health hazards<\/a>. Large and small businesses must follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/a> (OSHA) regulations.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike many federal laws, OSHA standards apply to businesses with even one employee. That means small business owners with a single part-time worker must follow the same safety programs and plans as a manufacturing plant with thousands of workers.<\/p>\r\n

Fortunately, OSHA requirements for small businesses are less stringent than those for larger companies. This article reviews OSHA regulations for small business owners and what you must do for workplace safety.<\/p>\r\n

Creating a Safe Work Environment<\/h2>\r\n

The OSHA works within the U.S. Department of Labor<\/a> to reduce workplace hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970<\/a> (OSH) created safe working conditions guidelines.<\/p>\r\n

OSHA also monitors recordkeeping to track workplace fatalities and injuries. Before the OSH Act, there were no standardized methods for determining which facilities were safe and which were not.<\/p>\r\n

Basic Guidelines<\/h3>\r\n

OSHA divides businesses into five broad categories for reporting purposes:<\/p>\r\n