OSHA Recommendations

• Small businesses don't have to have a written safety policy, but writing down such a policy can make communicating it easier, especially as the business grows.
  
  An effective safety program has four main elements: management commitment and employee involvement, work-site analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.
  
  Management should establish a clear safety program and communicate the program to employees. The program should have identifiable safety goals. Involve employees in setting these goals. Review the safety policies with employees at least annually.
  
  Provide a way for employees to report all accidents. Record the nature of the accident and how it came about. Keep these records and review them periodically to see if you spot any trends; if the same type of accident happens repeatedly, you'll need to look for ways to prevent its recurrence.
  
  

Identify Hazards

• An important part of any safety program is identifying potential hazards in the workplace. The types of hazards you encounter will depend on your business. For example, a steep stairway in a warehouse could present a potential falling hazard. Warning signs, additional lighting or markings on the approach to the stairs could mitigate this. Ladders, heavy equipment, construction machinery and power tools all present potential hazards for construction workers. Make sure your workers are educated in the proper use of this equipment.
  
  Remove hazards when possible. If you notice loose carpeting in an office, make sure it's tacked down to prevent falls. Add lighting in dark entryways.
  
  OSHA offers free workplace audits for small businesses. These audits are voluntary and no penalties will be assessed for any hazards identified during the audit.
  
  Provide regular safety training for employees and supervisors. Point out potential hazards and teach them ways to avoid these hazards. Provide any necessary protective equipment such as safety goggles.
  
  Make sure the workplace is stocked with first-aid kits. Label any hazardous chemicals. Post emergency numbers such as the number of the poison-control lab in an area frequented by employees. Planning ahead like this can help prevent a serious accident or injury in the future.