Search

Feature Article: Find Out More About Workplace Safety Regulations

Posted on 10/12/2011 by James Griffin

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is less than 30 pages long, and the regulations enforcing the law are just over 1,500 more. These laws and rules describe an employer’s obligation to provide a safe work environment for his or her employees, to eliminate hazards where possible, and to mitigate hazards that cannot be removed. But the Standards cannot cover every conceivable situation. So, if you are unsure how the workplace safety rules apply to your site, what do you do? 
 
Letters of Interpretation
If you have a fair idea of what hazards you are dealing with, or which Standards may apply, you can contact OSHA and ask them what they think. The Administration will respond in a letter of interpretation, stating how the law applies to your case. OSHA keeps an archive of these letters on its Web site, going back to 1972. 
 
It is important to keep in mind several things regarding letters of interpretation. First, letters never replace regulations. An inspector will evaluate the circumstances at your workplace against the rule in 29 CFR, not the letter. It is also important to know that each interpretive letter is a response to a specific scenario and may not be fully transferrable to other situations or establishments.
 
Always review a body of letters for consensus and trends, but not necessarily actionable items.
 
Directives
Sometimes, OSHA doesn’t wait for you to ask them how to apply a Standard. Or the Administration get asked the same question often enough and decide to issue a “Compliance Directive.” While these Directives technically tell OSHA inspectors what to look for at a site, employers can use them to know what the inspectors are interested in this year, and how to show it to them. 
 
Safety & Health Topics
OSHA also publishes many other guidance documents, alerts, fact sheets, and references on how to comply with safety standards or to identify and mitigate occupational hazards for which there are no official Standards. These publications are organized under OSHA’s Safety & Health Topics
 
OSHA Quick Takes
Quick Takes is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s own semimonthly newsletter. With a free subscription you can receive the latest news about workplace safety initiatives and compliance tools directly from OSHA.
 
The Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission (OSHRC)
The OSHRC is a unique Federal court that decides appeals to OSHA citations. The decisions of the OSHRC are not regulations or Standards, but like all court rulings they can have significant impact on how OSHA enforces its Standards and how regulated businesses are expected to comply. 
 
Closing Thoughts
It is always a good idea to review your research (letters, guidance documents, etc.) with your legal counsel before changing or implementing workplace practices to be sure that your plans are consistent with the statute and regulations and are defensible.
 

Tags: best, osha, practices

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.