Five steps to get ready for increased OSHA enforcement

There has been a lot of attention given to the increased emphasis on enforcement by the “New OSHA,” but companies need not panic – thoughtful planning can prepare your company well for an OSHA inspection.

Here are five key steps to get ready, as provided in an excellent article by the McDermott Will & Emery law firm:

• Establish a Catastrophe Response and Management Plan.
• Verify through compliance reviews that your OSHA-required safety and health programs are in place.
• Focus on your “key risks,” meaning the specific risks at your workplace that are actually faced by your employees on a frequent basis and which present the most exposure to a risk of serious injuries or death.
• Ensure that your safety and health program demonstrates a “top down” commitment from company executives as well as a “bottom up” commitment to worker safety and health.
• Have a plan in place to manage OSHA inspections in a careful, thought-out manner.

For more details on how to get ready, as well as a review of the prospects for tighter enforcement take a look at the complete article.