In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations and standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. One important aspect of OSHA requirements is employee training, which is mandated by law for certain industries and hazards.  

In this article, we will explore what OSHA requires in terms of employee training and why it is important for employers to comply with these requirements. 

Learn more about how Asure can help you satisfy OSHA compliance requirements by connecting with an HR expert. 

 

OSHA Regulations 

OSHA regulations state that employers must provide training to their employees, and the type of training needed depends on the industry and the specific circumstances of the workers.  

Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) 

For example, OSHA requires training for employees on Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), which are not just meant to be developed and stored away, but also to be trained to employees.  

Let’s say that a company operates in a multi-story office building. The EAP would need to include procedures for evacuating the building in case of a fire or other emergency. This could include information such as: 

• Identifying primary and secondary evacuation routes 

• Designating a meeting place for employees to gather after evacuation 

• Assigning roles and responsibilities to specific employees in the event of an emergency 

• Establishing procedures for accounting for all employees after evacuation 

• Detailing the communication methods that will be used to notify employees of an emergency 

The EAP would need to be communicated to all employees, and regular training and drills would need to be conducted to ensure that everyone is familiar with the procedures. 

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Another common training requirement is for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), where employers must provide training to employees who are required to wear PPE on how to properly wear and use them. This includes information on how to wear PPE correctly, when to wear it, and what types of PPE are appropriate for different hazards. 

 

Examples of PPE are  

• Face masks 

• Respirators 

• Gloves 

• Goggles or safety glasses 

• Face shields 

• Protective suits or coveralls 

• Hard hats 

• Steel-toed boots 

• Earplugs or earmuffs 

• High-visibility clothing 

Please keep in mind that the specific PPE needed will depend on the type of work being done and the associated hazards. It’s important to always use the appropriate PPE to protect against potential workplace hazards. 

The training provided by employers should be comprehensive and cover all necessary aspects, no matter how basic they may seem. This includes simple instructions on how to put on seatbelts and oxygen masks on airplanes, as well as how to wear and use PPE in the workplace. Employers should also provide training on hazardous waste operations and the Hazard Communication Standard, which requires educating employees about the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace. This includes labeling of containers, pictograms, hazardous statements, and safety data sheets that provide important information on the hazards of chemicals, first aid measures, firefighting measures, and handling and storage recommendations. 

It is important to note that OSHA does not prescribe specific methods for conducting training, but rather sets minimum requirements for effectiveness. Employers are encouraged to provide thorough and comprehensive training and to keep records of training activities to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.  This includes documenting the training provided, the topics covered, and the employees who have completed the training.  

Keeping accurate records of training can help employers demonstrate compliance with OSHA requirements and protect themselves from potential legal liabilities. 

Conclusion 

OSHA requires employers to provide training to their employees on various topics depending on the industry and hazards present in the workplace. Training should be comprehensive and cover all necessary aspects, and employers should keep records of training activities to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.  

By providing effective training and keeping accurate records, employers can create a safe and healthy working environment for their employees while also complying with OSHA requirements. 

 

See our in-depth video with an employment attorney about OSHA here. 

 

Asure can help you satisfy OSHA compliance requirements. Contact us here.