Is OSHA an HR Function?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency under the Department of Labor tasked with ensuring workers’ rights to a safe and sanitary working environment. OSHA sets guidelines and regulations for workplace safety, including safety training, reporting, and anti-retaliation protections for employees who report unsafe working conditions.

In larger companies, there may be dedicated personnel responsible for maintaining workplace safety and complying with OSHA regulations. However, in smaller organizations, some of the tasks related to training, record-keeping, and reporting may fall under the purview of HR managers.

HR’s Role in OSHA Compliance

HR managers play a crucial role in ensuring OSHA compliance within an organization. Their responsibilities include:

Safety Training:

HR managers must ensure that employees receive adequate safety training, including information about emergency procedures, OSHA inspections, and handling hazardous substances. Training should be conducted in a language and vocabulary that all employees can understand, and employers should prominently display the official OSHA “Job Safety and Health— It’s the Law!” poster.

Record-Keeping:

Accurate record-keeping of workplace injuries or illnesses is crucial for OSHA compliance. HR managers may need to complete OSHA forms, such as Form 300 (log of work-related injuries and illnesses) and Form 300A (summary of work-related injuries and illnesses). These records help employers identify safety hazards, make process improvements, and comply with end-of-year reporting requirements.

Reporting:

At the end of each calendar year, HR managers must use the information from Form 300 to fill out Form 300A. This form must be electronically filed with OSHA by March 2 of the following year and prominently displayed between February 1 and April 30. Additionally, certain incidents, such as workplace fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, or eye losses, require immediate reporting to OSHA.

Compliance with OSHA Regulations:

HR managers should stay updated on OSHA regulations and ensure that the organization complies with all applicable standards. Noncompliance can result in workplace productivity issues, increased insurance premiums, and OSHA penalties for each violation.

Conclusion

While OSHA compliance may not be a core HR function, HR managers play a significant role in ensuring that organizations meet OSHA requirements. By providing safety training, maintaining accurate records, reporting incidents as required, and fostering a culture of safety, HR managers can help create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

References

1. OSHA: Explanation & HR’s Guide to Staying Compliant | Eddy
2. What do HR managers need to know about OSHA compliance? | Fuse Workforce
3. HR’s Guide to OSHA Regulations | Namely

FAQs

What is OSHA?

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency under the Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees.

What is the role of HR in OSHA compliance?

HR managers play a crucial role in ensuring OSHA compliance within an organization. Their responsibilities include providing safety training, maintaining accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses, reporting incidents as required, and fostering a culture of safety.

What are the key elements of OSHA compliance for HR managers?

Key elements of OSHA compliance for HR managers include providing safety training, maintaining accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses, reporting incidents as required, and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.

What are the consequences of noncompliance with OSHA regulations?

Noncompliance with OSHA regulations can result in workplace productivity issues, increased insurance premiums, and OSHA penalties for each violation.

What are some common OSHA violations?

Some common OSHA violations include failing to provide adequate safety training, not maintaining accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses, not reporting incidents as required, and exposing employees to hazardous conditions.

What is the OSHA General Duty Clause?

The OSHA General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

What is the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard?

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to communicate information about hazardous chemicals to employees through labels, safety data sheets, and training.

What is the OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program?

The OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program protects employees from retaliation for reporting workplace safety and health concerns.