It’s normal for misconceptions and myths to arise around certain topics, especially if those topics are very technical. However, when these myths get out of hand and alter one’s perception and actions, they can lead to various issues, depending on the subject matter.
OSHA regulations cover numerous topics, laws, and protocols that often confuse people, resulting in an abundance of misconceptions. Since OSHA regulations establish and enforce health and safety protocols for work sites, myths about these regulations risk hindering people’s lives and work experiences. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about OSHA and the truths behind them.
Misconception 1: OSHA Can Shut Down Your Clinic
Many people believe that OSHA has the power to shut down a business if it fails to meet OSHA standards. However, OSHA can’t force your business to shut down. Only the legal court system can decide whether a business should stop operating. A majority of the repercussions that OSHA enforces come in the form of fines and citations.
Misconception 2: Training Certification Automatically Makes You Compliant
OSHA mandates that all employees must complete and show proof of OSHA compliance training with certification records. However, contrary to popular belief, OSHA compliance doesn’t stop there. Obtaining training certification does not automatically make you OSHA compliant. It just meets one of the various requirements of compliance. Full compliance includes training, certification, implementation of protocols, and passing evaluations. Failing to meet any of those requirements means failing compliance.
Misconception 3: OSHA Can Inspect Workplaces Whenever They Please
Although OSHA inspections are impromptu to ensure authentic evaluations, the inspectors can’t just show up whenever they please. You may refuse the permit the inspector to enter your clinic. However, if you do so, the inspector is obligated to endeavor to ascertain the reason for the refusal and report it to the OSHA Area Director (which may result in them returning with a warrant).
In tandem with this misconception, many people also fear that inspectors can appear undercover. However, this is not the case. As a protocol, OSHA regulators must announce who they are and what they intend to do upon arrival.
Misconception 4: On-Site Evaluations Cause Work Interferences
A lot happens during an evaluation, from record checks to building inspections. Despite the various assessments, most of the inspection involves observation, allowing you to continue your workday normally. On-site evaluations don’t cause major interferences to a work site’s productivity or day. Inspectors want to see an authentic workday to properly evaluate working conditions and any health or safety hazards. Interrupting the usual flow of business and practices would produce a morphed interpretation of work scenarios and evaluation.
The common misconceptions about OSHA regulations mainly derive from a lack of understanding. The OSHA and HIPAA compliance kits from Gamma Compliance provide clear, concise information and training session that covers all things OSHA- and HIPAA-related pertaining to your business. The kits’ easy-to-understand training plans and detailed overviews minimize misconceptions, allowing your clinic to operate optimally, safely, and within regulations.