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What Programs Does OSHA Require to Be Written?

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workplaces to have a written set of rules to help employers achieve safety goals, develop an emergency plan, or to communicate about hazardous materials and equipment. The government organized OSHA to oversee regulations that ensure employees and employers to have safe working conditions. They do this by enforcing safety rules, encouraging states to assure safe working conditions and by providing information and training. Depending on the type of workplace, OSHA requires certain written programs.

  1. Administrative Rules

    • These rules require the necessary documentation when reporting accidents and illnesses. Employers must report work-related injuries, accidents and illnesses. Depending on the state, employers must report workplace fatalities and hospitalization right away. Use the OSHA 300, 300-A, and DCSB form 801 to document work-related fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. If the company has not had more than 10 employees within the last year, then only the DCBS 801 form is required. An employee must also inspect the workplace and document any unusual or unsafe working conditions.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • These are the required rules for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must assess the workplace to determine any hazards that require employees to use PPE. They should verify the location, the person who did the assessment and the date. Employers should also document that only trained employees used the PPE. Record the names of the people trained, the training dates and the training topic.

    Lock Out/Tag Out Rules

    • This rule is imperative in a lot of workplaces. In many business there is equipment that could start up unexpectedly or that could contain stored energy. A written energy-control plan is necessary and should include procedures, training and annual reviews. The procedures should include the equipment, how workers will secure the equipment, how to use and remove lock tags and how to test the effectiveness of these devices. The annual review is an authorization by an employee who understands the energy-control procedures. The review must include the evaluated equipment, the inspection date, the employees included and the person who did the review. Document all training, including each of the worker's names, the training date and the trainer's name.

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