b'ResponsibilitiesandRights Last month I wrote about how to deal with anKeep OSHA-required records ofrf!I work-re-OSHA inspection. This month, I want to highlightlated injuries and illnesses, and post a copy of the responsibilities and rights ofthe totals from the last page of#200 dur-an employer.OSHA ing the entire month of February each year. (This RESPONSIBILITIESapplies to employers with 11 or more employ-As an employer, you must:ees.) Meet your general duty responsibility toPost, at a prominent location within the work provide a work place free from recognized haz place, the OSHA poster (OSHA 2203) informing ards that are causing, or are likely to cause,employees of their rights and responsibilities. death or serious physical harm to employees.Provide employees. former employees and ILYou must also comply with standards, rules andtheir representatives access to the Log and Sumregulations listed under the act set forth bymary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses OSHA.(OSHA 200) at a reasonable time and in a reaEBe familiar with mandatory OSHA standardssonable manner.to employee medical records and make copies available to employees for re Provide access view upon request.and exposure records to employees or their auIllInform all employees about OSHA.thorized representatives.compliance offiExamine work place conditions to makeCooperate with the OSHA sure they conform to applicable standards.cer by furnishing names of authorized employee Minimize or reduce hazards.representatives who may be asked to accompany Make sure employees have and use safethe compliance officer during an inspection. tools and equipment (including appropriate per Not discriminate against employees who sonal protective equipment), and that suchproperly exercise their rights under the act. equipment is properly maintained.Post OSHA citations at or near the work site Use color codes. posters, labels, or signsinvolved. when needed to warn employees of potentialAbate cited violations within the prescribed hazards.period. Establish or update operating proceduresThat seems simple enough, doesn\'t it?Fortuand communicate them so that employees fol nately, the bottom line is that if you operate a BY THOMASJ.THOMPSON,low safety and health requirements.safe work environment. and keep detailed MRCA ASSOCIATEProvide training required by OSHA stan records, you shouldn\'t have any problems. The EXECUTIVE DIRECTORdards."new" OSHA wants to concentrate on the spirit Report to the nearest OSHAof the regulations. not on the details. Don\'t try office withinto eight hours oforread more into the responsibilities than there alany fatal accidentone that results in the hospitalization of three or more em ready is. Just think about what the intent of the ployees.responsibility is and you\'ll be fine. RIGHTS Now the flip side. As an employer, you have certain rights when dealing with OSHA. Know your rights. and exercise them when appropriate. As an employer, you have the right to: Seek advice and off-site consultation as needed bylling or visitwriting, caing the nearest OSHA office. OSHA will not inspect merely because an employer requests assistance. In plain and simple terms, OSHA doesn\'t have enough people to inspect everybody anyway, so don\'t worry about calling and CONTINUED ONPAGE1 0 MR October 95'