The 5 Critical OSHA Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

Imagine your employees handling chemicals or operating machinery without a clear understanding of the risks. This is the essence of inadequate hazard communication, and it's a direct path to a citation and, worse, a preventable accident. 

Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) is not just about having Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on file—it's about ensuring your people understand what those sheets mean. This mistake includes improper chemical labeling, lack of accessible SDSs, and a failure to provide effective training on the hazards present in your workplace. If your team doesn't know the dangers, they can't take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

When an OSHA inspector walks through your door, your records are the first thing they'll ask for. Missing or incomplete OSHA 300 logs (injury and illness logs) and a lack of documented training records are one of the fastest ways to trigger an official citation. It’s not enough to be safe; you must be able to prove it. 

Incomplete records don't just put you at risk of fines; they prevent you from seeing patterns in your workplace safety, making it impossible to address root causes before they lead to more incidents. An inspection without proper documentation can be a swift and costly process.

Of all the safety violations, few carry the same gravity as ignoring lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. This is not just a fine waiting to happen; it is the #1 cause of fatal machine-related incidents. LOTO procedures are designed to prevent the unexpected startup or release of stored energy in machinery during maintenance or service. 

Mishandling these procedures can lead to catastrophic injuries, including amputations, electrocutions, and death. Without a rigorous, written LOTO program and comprehensive training, you are playing a dangerous game with your employees’ lives and your business's future.

It is a legal and ethical obligation to ensure your workers are properly trained for the hazards they may encounter. Sending workers into the field without documented safety training not only puts them at risk but puts your entire business on the line. 

OSHA requires that training be specific, documented, and provided in a language and vocabulary that your employees can understand. Generic or "checklist-based" training won't hold up under scrutiny. When a violation occurs, an inspector will ask for proof of training. Without it, you are vulnerable to citations and liability claims, demonstrating a lack of due diligence.

Verbal instructions won't protect you or your bottom line. Without a formal, written safety program, OSHA considers your program non-existent. A written program is the foundation of your entire safety culture. It outlines policies, procedures, responsibilities, and accountability. 

It is the playbook for a safe workplace. An effective program is not a generic template; it is a tailored document that addresses the specific hazards and operations of your business. Without it, you lack the core framework to ensure compliance and demonstrate your commitment to safety.