The OSHA regulations are a set of federal regulations relating to health and safety that cover a lot of different possibilities and sectors. These regulations relate to employees and the responsibility that an employer has to keep the employee safe in the workplace �” through training and education, and through providing a safe environment.
OSHA’s federal regulations are just one part of the equation, however. There are also some regulations that are set on a more local level by states or municipalities. Nevada, for example, adds some additional requirements to the general industries rules set by OSHA, including requiring some workers in specific sectors to undergo the OSHA 10 or 30 training and to refresh that training every five years.
The Governor of Nevada has instituted some new bills relating to the reporting of injuries too. The Assembly Bill 54, for example, changes the way that employer injury and illness reporting is treated. Under the new requirements, for example, accident or motor vehicle crashes that occur during the course of employment must be reported orally to the Nevada OSHA within a specific period of tie �” eight hours for fatal incidents, and 24 hours in the case of incidents which require hospitalisation.
Reports to OSHA must include the name of the employer, the date, time and location of the crash, details of the employees involved, and what happened to them (hospitalisation, details of injuries, death, etc), as well as the name of a person that can be contacted for more information.
There are some mandatory training requirements for workers in the entertainment sector. These include theatrical, scenery, rigging and prop workers, those who are involved with wardrobe, hair or makeup, and those who do audio, camera, lighting or video work. These regulations are intended to cover sporting events, live performances, and film or TV recording.
OSHA regulations are complex, and it is important that workers are fully trained in their responsibilities and that they understand the responsibilities of the employer too. The courses help employees to identify and avoid specific hazards, and can be invaluable for people who work in potentially dangerous environments. The OSHA 10 hour course is good for entry level employees. There is a 30 hour course that is useful for people whose role includes more health and safety responsibilities. These courses are not comprehensive, and they are not something that will address every single potential issue that could be encountered by a company when they are looking to comply with OSHA regulations, but they are a good starting point for instilling a health and safety attitude into employees.
It can be hard to persuade people in some industries that health and safety matters. Creative performers tend to be focused on what they are trying to produce and do not like regulations to get in the way of their craft. Those who work in manufacturing or outdoors may also feel that way if they believe that regulations are slowing them down when it comes to getting their job done. It is important that we try to change that culture. The Nevada government is working towards that with each review it does into reporting, training and regulations �” bringing them in line with the high standards set by OSHA.
If you are an employer, it is a good idea for you to investigate your local OSHA requirements and how they may differ from the federal requirements. Discuss health and safety with your team leaders and develop a training plan for all of your new employees. Provide regular briefings and reminders to help people to focus on health and safety, and evaluate your workplace and how it looks and is laid out. With luck you will be able to produce a workplace that is safe and productive, and keep your employees on task and on side when it comes to safety at work.
OSHA exists to keep everyone safe �” and to allow companies to continue to do their jobs. Work with them, rather than seeing them as an organisation that is trying to catch you out or get in the way, and your company will be more successful in the long term.