As an employer in Ohio, you have legal obligations under state and federal laws to ensure workplace safety for your employees. These obligations can vary depending on the nature of your business and the specific hazards present in your workplace, but generally include the following:
- Providing a safe workplace: You are required to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause harm to your employees. To meet this requirement, you must identify and assess potential hazards in your workplace and take steps to eliminate or control them.
- Complying with safety standards: You must comply with state and federal safety standards that apply to your workplace. This may include standards related to specific hazards, such as hazardous materials or machinery, as well as more general standards related to workplace design and emergency preparedness.
- Providing training and education: You must provide your employees with training and education on workplace safety issues relevant to their specific job duties. This may include training on how to use protective equipment, how to respond to emergency situations, and how to identify and report workplace hazards.
- Reporting and recordkeeping: You are required to report certain workplace injuries and illnesses to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. This information is used by OSHA to identify trends and target enforcement actions where necessary.
There are some limitations and exceptions to these obligations. For example, some small businesses may be exempt from certain OSHA requirements, and some hazards may be considered inherent in certain industries and therefore not subject to regulation.
If you are unsure about your legal obligations regarding workplace safety in Ohio, you should consult with an experienced employment lawyer. They can help you understand your obligations and develop a plan to ensure compliance.
By