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Health and Safety in the Workplace Toolkit
Practical Law Toolkit 5-519-9917 (Approx. 25 pages)
Health and Safety in the Workplace Toolkit
by Practical Law Labor & Employment
| Maintained • USA (National/Federal) |
Resources to help employers comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and create and maintain a safety conscious culture.
According to statistics from the Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private employers in 2022 (see DOL BLS News Release: Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses - 2021 (Nov. 8, 2023)). Workplace injuries and illnesses are costly for employers. Employees injured at work may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. In addition, an employer's productivity may be impacted if employees are away from work or limited in their activities for a period of time while the employee is recovering.
Workplace accidents can also trigger an inspection of the employer's worksite by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which issues citations with penalties to employers that have violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and OSHA regulations.
Employers can promote a safe and healthy workplace for employees and limit their potential liability by:
- Conducting voluntary audits of their safety and health practices, including a workplace safety analysis to determine potential liability and how to reduce legal risk.
- Implementing workplace safety policies and procedures to protect employees that address, for example:
- handling workplace emergencies;
- banning smoking in the workplace;
- promoting infection prevention and control;
- offering flu vaccinations at the workplace;
- training employees and managers on proper safety procedures;
- prohibiting the use of illegal drugs and alcohol in the workplace;
- minimizing and responding to threats or violent acts at the workplace;
- posting health and safety posters in the workplace; and
- reporting workplace injuries, accidents, and illnesses.
This Health and Safety Toolkit provides resources employers can use to:
- Comply with OSH Act and OSHA requirements and promote health and safety in the workplace.
- Handle an OSHA inspection and practice before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For resources relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, see the Employment Global Coronavirus Toolkit and Practice Note, COVID-19: Employment Law and Development Tracker.