When you own a small business there are literally thousands of rules and regulations that need to be followed. Sometimes owners of small businesses lament the fact that they no longer get to do the parts of owning a business that they enjoy so much because they have to pay so much attention to other things that are not quite as enjoyable. Following the safety laws to protect workers can be one of those difficult endeavors, but OSHA does go to great lengths to keep owners, managers, and employees as up to date and informed as possible.
OSHA Is The Place To Get The Best Information
Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to help workers avoid hazards, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace and at the same time assist business owners as well. They have put together standards that apply to various categories of industries so that companies in each type will have access to all the information they need to comply. OSHA can supply training for workers, supervisors, and owners so that the workplace is safer and accidents prevented.
The first part of the equation is assessing each category of industry and finding all of the most common hazards, accidents, illnesses, and injuries. Then, they take measures, whether it be dust masks and gloves, or railings and shoring, to make sure that as many of those hazards are eliminated as possible. Employees and employers are required to follow some of the regulations or they could possibly be taken to court and prosecuted, safety is now at the top of the list, not profits.
Certain Workers Are Now Required To Obtain Certification
There are training classes now offered that help to train both the workers or their supervisors in recognizing hazards, avoiding hazards, and preventing them as well. They also include knowing how to use fire protection equipment, making evacuation plans in the event of a fire or other disaster. Plus, who to call in case of certain spills of chemicals. Nearly every business has chemicals on hand that could cause serious injury if spilled in large enough quantities. The local grocery store, restaurant, or hair salon included.
OSHA training is usually separated into 10 hour courses and 30 hour courses with the shorter course for employees and the longer for supervisors. In the theatrical industry, there are many different sub-categories, each with their own hazards to be aware of.
The scenery, rigging, and props departments have long suffered from an abundance of fatal falls while preparing sets for shows, movies, and performances. These groups are usually required to at least obtain OSHA-10 certification to help eliminate the many dangers. They are now required to have safety belts, helmets and harnesses that prevent and save lives during falls as well.
The audio, camera, video, lighting, and projection departments have also had trouble with fatal falls, in addition to electrical fires and shocks. These groups of technicians are also required in most states to be OSHA-10 certified. Most of the supervisors will be required to be OSHA-30 certified.
In addition to those in specific groups mentioned above, workers in theatrical performances, sporting events, TV programs, live entertainment, filmmaking, and related occupations have long had problems with accidents on sets and locations. These occupations have come under scrutiny and are now required in most states to take the educational courses, become certified, and follow many of the new safety regulations.
OSHA Has Made It Easier For Business Owners
OSHA has put together lists of hazards to look for in each category and sub-category in nearly every industry, including the theatrical, performing, and entertainment industries. This makes finding possible hazards and preventing accidents easier. By having comprehensive manuals already put together for each industry time is saved and fewer hazards are missed.
Then, there are specific OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 training courses that pertain to the theatrical, performances, live events, and show producers groups to help focus them on the exact safety problems that have prevailed in their industry for decades. While there are still accidents happening in show business, the number of fatal accidents has fallen sharply. As more education is required and standards expanded the future of the industry looks to be safer than ever.