Introduction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency responsible for ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. OSHA sets standards and regulations for various industries, including general industry. In this blog, we will define what OSHA considers to be general industry.
What is General Industry?
General industry refers to a broad category of businesses and organizations that are not construction, maritime, or agriculture. This includes factories, warehouses, healthcare facilities, hotels, retail stores, and many other industries. OSHA 30 general industry standards apply to all employers and employees covered by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, which includes most private sector employers in the United States.
OSHA’s General Industry Standards
OSHA’s general industry standards cover a wide range of workplace safety and health topics. These include:
Hazard Communication: Employers must inform employees about the hazards they may encounter in the workplace and provide appropriate safety training.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats, to protect employees from workplace hazards.
Electrical Safety: Employers must ensure that electrical equipment and wiring are safe and properly maintained, and employees must be trained on how to work safely with electricity.
Machine Guarding: Employers must ensure that machines are properly guarded to prevent employees from coming into contact with moving parts.
Walking-Working Surfaces: Employers must ensure that walking and working surfaces, such as floors and stairs, are free from hazards that could cause slips, trips, or falls.
Respiratory Protection: Employers must provide respiratory protection to employees who are exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants.
Hazardous Materials: Employers must ensure that hazardous materials are properly labeled, stored, and used, and employees must be trained on how to work safely with these materials.
Emergency Action Plans: Employers must have a plan in place to respond to emergencies, such as fires, explosions, and natural disasters.
Recordkeeping: Employers must keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses and report certain incidents to OSHA.
Bloodborne Pathogens: Employers must implement measures to protect employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis B.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OSHA defines general industry as a broad category of businesses and organizations that are not construction, maritime, or agriculture. OSHA’s general industry standards cover a wide range of workplace safety and health topics, including hazard communication, PPE, electrical safety, machine guarding, walking-working surfaces, respiratory protection, hazardous materials, emergency action plans, recordkeeping, and bloodborne pathogens. It is important for employers in general industry to be familiar with these standards and to ensure that their workplaces are safe and healthy for their employees. By adhering to OSHA’s general industry standards, employers can protect their employees from workplace hazards and avoid costly fines and penalties.
