The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, is a government agency regulating health and safety workplace standards for employees in many industries. The semantics of OSHA laws and guidelines are relatively complex—and can lead to confusion regarding proper implementation.
What do words likecompliance standards and regulations mean? Today’s employers should understand the implications to create safer and more productive places of business for their staff. Here’s what you need to know.
The Intent of the Law: Federal Agency Regulations
Navigating the murky waters of OSHA’s compliance standards and regulations is no simple feat. Standards and regulations are similar terms, and while they are synonymous in writing, they are not entirely identical in context. Government departments and agencies can carry out the intent of the law in their jurisdictions by formulating regulations. This means that OSHA regulations are detailed rules to be followed in relation to actions under OSHA’s authoritative control.
In writing, OSHA refers to their regulations as national standards—requirements that serve as criteria for measuring compliance with the OSH Act. In context, these uniform regulations function to ensure the universal application of OSHA laws. However, consensus standards also exist for specific industries. These standards are detailed accounts of health and safety guidelines for regulations themselves.
OSHA Standards: The Foundations of Compliance Regulations
The differences between compliance standards and regulations depend largely on the context. OSHA standards for general industry are found under numbered federal regulations. Some regulations directly reference certain standards for lawful enforcement. Consensus standards may not be federal law, but they fall under OSHA’s General Duty Clause. These standards are entirely enforceable by reference, meaning OSHA can cite businesses for not complying with these standards.
OSHA Guidelines and Best Practices: Achieving Compliance
Any business or organization subject to OSHA should strive to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. OSHA implements hundreds of applicable safety regulations for general and specified industries. Any business can achieve compliance with these regulatory requirements as long as they have the right guidance and education on best practices.
Turn to Gamma Compliance Solutions for your business’s OSHA compliance needs. Our experienced professionals are here to navigate the nuances of regulatory standards with you. We provide compliance products and consulting services for the healthcare or medical industry. Our latest OSHA program manual for medical facilities is an all-in solution to help your office or practice achieve full compliance through customized safety plans. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our assorted packages today.