The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exists to ensure safe and healthful working conditions.  It does this by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.  Occupational health and safety courses are the best way to educate yourself on OSHA’s rules, regulations and procedures so you are well prepared.

If you are found in violation of an OSHA regulation, you are subject to a fine, but how do you know what the regulations are?  By taking an occupational health and safety course. There are more than 1,130 inspectors in states under federal OSHA jurisdiction and you never know when one may show up at your facility unannounced.  If you are found to be in serious violation of OSHA regulations, you can be assessed a fine of up to $5,000, or even $7,000 for a serious violation.  A serious violation is defined as one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.  Taking an occupational health and safety course will help you identify and eliminate violations and avoid financial penalties.

Recordkeeping is very important in terms of adhering to OSHA guidelines.  Good health and safety training courses teach you how to keep proper records and stay compliant with OSHA’s recordkeeping manual.  It is essential that data recorded by employers be uniform and accurate to assure the consistency and validity of the statistical data which is used by OSHA for many purposes, including inspection targeting, performance measurement.  Occupational health and safety courses teach you all you need to know about this kind of recordkeeping.

To register for this class click here.

Summer means picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks displays, especially around the 4th of July. Summer also means an increase in injuries from backyard grills, bonfires and fireworks. In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, 36 percent of whom were under 15 years old.

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 were at three times the risk of fireworks injuries than the general population. About a third of the injuries were from small firecrackers, 21 percent from bottle rockets and 20 percent from sparklers. In 2004, fireworks caused $21 million in direct property damage.

The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.

• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.

• Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.

• Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.

• Never ignite devices in a container.

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. Last Revised: 04/09