What Are OSHA Guidelines?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a government agency that establishes guidelines and
standards related to the safety and health of employees in the workplace. However, it is important to note the
difference between OSHA guidelines and standards. OSHA standards are mandatory, enforceable rules that
must be followed. OSHA guidelines are voluntary recommendations for compliance with general workplace
safety and training initiatives where standards
have not been defined. General OSHA
guidelines appear in OSHA's Safety and
Health Program Management Guidelines.
Summary

OSHA created the Safety and Health Program

Management Guidelines document (See
References) to assist businesses in developing
programs and best practices to prevent
workplace injuries and illnesses. The OSHA document provides general guidelines suitable for all
businesses, regardless of type and size, containing information compiled from health professionals,
associations, consultants and other businesses with experience in implementing successful safety and health
programs. After deliberation, OSHA decided to issue the program as a set of guidelines rather than standards.

Management Commitment and Employee Involvement

The four major elements to OSHA's Safety and Health Program include management commitment and
employee involvement. This element includes guidelines for managers and employees to create and
implement policy, and foster a culture of safe work practices. Establishing goals and objectives, assigning
responsibilities, making resources available and granting authority are additional guidelines of this element.
Reviews of the program are also recommended on an annual basis to assess program value and to identify
areas of improvement.

Worksite Analysis

Worksite analysis provides guidelines for identifying existing and potential job hazards. Guidelines include
initial and periodic inspections of the worksite, listing known or possible hazards, developing policies and
procedures for employees to report hazards. The investigation of all injuries and illnesses, including those
that have been averted, is a guideline that assists in further detailing hazards. Analysing investigated events
over time helps to spot trends and patterns that must be addressed in an effort to continually improve the
program.
Hazard Prevention And Control

Hazard prevention and control includes action steps necessary to deal with hazards identified in the worksite
analysis. Although many particular hazards are covered in detail under OSHA standards, they are based on
general guidelines. Depending on the hazard, engineered controls or techniques must be used where
applicable. Safe work practices must be followed, protective equipment must be available, and knowledge of
hazards, policies and procedures must be known to all employees.

Safety And Health Training

Safety and health training of all employees tie-in with hazard prevention and control, and call for the training
and education necessary for employees to understand health and hazard issues, and compliance with policies
and procedures. Supervisors and managers are also expected to be trained to effectively oversee and enforce
health and safety directives, and understand their roles and responsibilities in an emergency situation.