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Protection from OSHA when Accidents Happen
24 October 2024
Accidents happen. Here's how to be prepared before OSHA comes to investigate.
On my way to the office the other day I saw a burned-out service vehicle in a neighborhood. From my quick look, something probably ignited and blew a cannister or something leading to a bigger fire.
First, praying the driver is okay (the cab looked fine, so I am hopeful... in case you're wondering, the photo at the top of this post is NOT the vehicle I actually saw, it's just shown for dramatic effect😊).
Second, I want to remind you to make sure you are verifying inventory, condition of supplies, and organization of your vehicles out on the road!
Third, after an incident with one of your company vehicles, you should expect a visit from OSHA and/or DOT, depending on the type of vehicle and injuries involved.
Accidents do happen, but to protect the Brand, you MUST be prepared. Here are the four things you need for an OSHA Affirmative Defense:
- Establish a safety policy/safety manual
- Conduct regular training on required topics (monthly or more often in some states)
- Provide necessary resources/PPE to minimize risk
- Most importantly, DOCUMENT ACCOUNTABILITY for what you do when violations are found!
These do not guarantee 100% protection from OSHA, but will both minimize the risk of having an incident that draws government attention in the first place AND minimize the damage they can cause if they show up on your doorstep, despite our best efforts.
The Big Picture Consulting can assist in building a strong and compliant foundation for your company to grow on! Reach out and we can help you with all the things you need to protect yourself.
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