Safety and Health Program for General Industry
This webpage is designed to help the small General Industry employer build their own safety and health program based on OSHA requirements. It provides some basic requirements such as those that require programs and/or training as required by the applicable standard. To learn more, click on the tabs below.
Please note that each small business can vary on what they may be required to have in place at their worksite. As such, we have many additional resources to assist you in meeting all requirements for your worksite. These resources are included on the "Additional Assistance" tab below.
Note: OSHA uses the term "general industry" to refer to all industries not included in agriculture, construction or maritime.
Build Your Program
In North Carolina, employers are required to post a copy of the "Wage and Hour Notice to Employees" and the "OSH Notice to Employees", North Carolina Workplace Labor Laws Posters, in a conspicuous place where all employees have access to it. The posters are in English, with Spanish on the reverse side. You can order these Workplace Labor Law Posters for free from the NCDOL Website.
Resources:
NC Department of Labor: Workplace Labor Law Posters
Other State and Federal Labor Law Posters: State and Federal Labor Law Posters
All employers have a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that identifies by industry the type of work being performed, goods being produced or services being provided. For this reason, some small businesses may have more that one NAICS code for their establishment. Many compliance documents and OSHA standards will reference an employer's NAICS code to identify industries that are exempt from a standard, or the reverse, that it only applies to specific industries.
All employers covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) are covered by Recordkeeping standards. However, many small employers are exempted unless OSHA or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) informs you in writing that you must keep records per 29 CFR 1904.41 - Electronic submission of Employer Identification Number (EIN) or injury and illness records to OSHA or 29 CFR 1904.42 - Requests from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for data, respectively.
Do you meet these exemptions?
- 29 CFR 1904.1 - Partial exemption for employers with 10 or fewer employees, states "If your company had ten or fewer employees at all times during the last calendar year, you do not need to keep OSHA injury and illness records".
- 29 CFR 1904.2 - Partial exemption for establishments in certain industries, states "If your company had more than ten employees at any time during the last calendar year, you must keep OSHA injury and illness records unless your establishment is classified as a partially exempt industry."
Note: The above exemptions do not apply to Public Sector employers in North Carolina. Reference NCGS 95-148, Operational Procedure Notice 128 and Standards Notice 75.
If you do meet either of the above exemptions, you do not need to comply the Recordkeeping standards for maintaining the OSHA logs, however, as required by 29 CFR 1904.39 - Reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye as a result of work-related incidents to OSHA, all employers covered by the OSH Act must report to OSHA any workplace incident that results in a fatality, the hospitalization of one or more employees, an amputation or loss of an eye.
If you do not meet either exemption, then you will need to maintain the OSHA 300 Log, OSHA Form 300A, and OSHA Form 301. Note: In North Carolina, most employers use the NC Industrial Commission's worker's compensation Form 19 in lieu of the OSHA Form 301. To learn more about recordkeeping requirements, go to our webpage on "29 CFR Part 1904 - Recordkeeping Standards".
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Recording and Reporting
Federal OSHA Forms: OSHA 300 Log, OSHA Form 300A, and OSHA Form 301
Presentation: Recordkeeping and Reporting
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Most employers need an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The standard, 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plan, states that "An employer must have an emergency action plan whenever an OSHA standard in this part requires one." To determine if it applies to you, go to "Do you need an emergency action plan?"
If it does, the standard also states "An emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees."
Lastly, the standard requires training on the EAP. "An employer must designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees." and "An employer must review the EAP with each employee covered by the plan when the plan is developed or an employee is initially assigned to a job, when the employee's responsibilities under the plan change, and when the plan is changed."
In addition, you will need to comply with other parts of Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning. To learn more about the requirements for exit routes (i.e., exit discharge, lighting, markings, unobstructed), go to the webpage on Does "Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Emergency Action Plans
Example Program: Emergency Action Plan
Presentation: Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers need a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP). The standard, 29 CFR 1910.39 - Fire Prevention Plan, states that "An employer must have a fire prevention plan whenever an OSHA standard in this part requires one." To determine if it applies to you, go to "Do you need a fire prevention plan?"
If it does, the standard also states "A fire prevention plan must be in writing, be kept in the workplace, and be made available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees."
The standard also requires training on the FPP. "An employer must inform employees upon initial assignment to a job of the fire hazards to which they are exposed. An employer must also review with each employee those parts of the fire prevention plan necessary for self-protection."
In addition, you will need to comply with other parts of Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning. To learn more about the requirements for exit routes (i.e., exit discharge, lighting, markings, unobstructed), go to the webpage on 'Does "Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning" Apply to You?'
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Fire Prevention Plans
Example Program: Fire Prevention Plan
Presentation: Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Most employers have a physical location with walking and working surfaces. Subpart D - Walking -Working Surfaces covers any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location including ladders, step bolts, manhole steps, scaffolds, stairways, dockboards and areas where there are fall hazards. The standard, 29 CFR 1910.22 - General Requirements, states that "The employer must ensure that walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition."
To learn more about the requirements for walking and working surfaces, go to Does "Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Walking and Working Surfaces
Presentation: Walking and Working Surfaces
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Most employers have a physical work location where employees are located. The 29 CFR 1910.141 - Sanitation standard includes requirements for housekeeping, potable water, bathrooms, showers, vermin control, food handling, and waste disposal. It states "Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected."
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Sanitation
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees. The standard, 29 CFR 1910.132 - PPE, General Requirements, states that "Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact."
To determine if it applies to you, this standard requires that the employer conduct a PPE hazard assessment. It states " The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)." and "The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment."
If this standard applies, it requires training on the PPE. "The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE." and "Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE." and "When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee."
If, through the hazard assessment, you determine that your employees need PPE, then Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment applies. Go to "Does Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment Apply to you?" to learn more about the other PPE standard requirements (i.e., hand protection, respirators, eye protection, hearing protection).
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protection, Noise
Example Program: PPE Hazard Assessment, Respiratory Protection Program, Hearing Conservation Program
Presentation: Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protection, Noise Exposure
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
If your workplace has hazards that could cause serious injuries, 29 CFR 1910.151 - Medical Services and First Aid, states "That in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid."
Near proximity means that emergency care must be available within no more than 3-4 minutes from the workplace. In workplaces where serious accidents such as those involving falls, suffocation, electrocution, or amputation are possible, emergency medical services must be available within 3-4 minutes, if there is no employee on the site who is trained to render first aid.
To learn more about the requirements for medical services and first aid, go to Does "Subpart K - Medical and First Aid" Apply to You?
If you have designated an employee to provide first aid as a collateral job duty, they are covered under 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne Pathogens. This standard states "Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure." It also requires training, as it states "The employer shall train each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with the requirements of this section. Such training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program." To learn more about the requirements for bloodborne pathogens, go to "Does your employees have exposure to blood or OPIM?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Medical Services and First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens
Example Program: Exposure Control Plan
Presentation: First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers have hand and portable powered tools that employees use at the job site. If so, the standard, 29 CFR 1910.242 - Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, General, states "Each employer shall be responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees."
To learn more about the requirements for hand and portable powered tools, go to Does "Subpart P - Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-held Equipment" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Hand and Portable Powered Tools
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers have woodworking equipment (i.e., circular saws, jointers), abrasive wheel machinery (i.e., bench grinders), and other similar equipment (i.e., presses, mills). The standard, 29 CFR 1910.212 - General Requirements for all Machines, states "One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks."
If you have machinery or related equipment, then Subpart O will apply. Go to Does "Subpart O - Machinery and Machine Guarding" Apply to You? to determine what other requirements will affect your worksite.
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Machine Guarding
Presentation: Machine Guarding
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers will have noise exposures due to tools and equipment. 29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure, states "The employer shall administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this section, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent. For purposes of the hearing conservation program, employee noise exposures shall be computed in accordance with appendix A and Table G-16a, and without regard to any attenuation provided by the use of personal protective equipment."; "When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program."; and "The employer shall establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels."
In addition, the standard requires training as it states "The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program." and requires maintaining records, "Record retention. The employer shall retain records required in this paragraph (m) for at least the following periods."
To learn more about the requirements for noise exposures, go to "Do you have occupational noise exposure?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Noise
Example Program: Hearing Conservation Program
Presentation: Noise Exposure
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Most employers have a physical work location. Subpart S - Electrical provides the electrical standards that address the practical safeguarding of employees in the workplace including electric equipment and installations used to provide electric power and light for employee workplaces (i.e., temporary wiring, flexible cords, lighting fixtures), specific purpose equipment and installations (i.e., X-ray equipment, electric welders, cranes), hazardous (classified) locations (i.e., body shops, service stations), and special systems (over 600 volts). If you have a physical work location, go to Does "Subpart S - Electrical" Apply to You? to learn more about these requirements for your worksite.
If you have employees that work on or near electrical hazards, 29 CFR 1910.332 - Training, states "Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by 29 CFR 1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertain to their respective job assignments." 29 CFR 1910.333 - Selection and Use of Work Practices, states "Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards." and "Procedures. The employer shall maintain a written copy of the procedures outlined in paragraph (b)(2) and shall make it available for inspection by employees and by the Assistant Secretary of Labor and his or her authorized representatives."
Additionally, 29 CFR 1910.335 - Safeguards for Personnel Protection, states "Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed." and "Protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and shall be periodically inspected or tested, as required by 29 CFR 1910.137 - Electrical Protective Equipment." To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have employees that work on or near exposed energized parts?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Electrical Safety
Example Program: Electrical Safety-related Work Practices Policy
Presentation: Electrical Safety
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers use ladders. 29 CFR 1910.23 - Ladders, states "Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury;"; "Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.145 (Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags) and removed from service until repaired in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.22(d) - General Requirements, or replaced."
In addition, 29 CFR 1910.30 - Training Requirements, states "The employer must train each employee on or before May 17, 2017 in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment covered by this subpart before an employee uses the equipment."
To learn more about requirements for ladders, go to "Do you have ladders?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Walking and Working Surfaces
Presentation: Walking and Working Surfaces
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers have exposures to fall hazards. If you have fall hazards, 29 CFR 1910.28 - Duty to Have Fall Protection and Falling Object Protection, requires "employers to provide protection (i.e., guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems), for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. Unless stated otherwise, the employer must ensure that all fall protection and falling object protection required by this section meet the criteria in 29 CFR 1910.29 - Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection - Criteria and Practices" It also states "When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.503(a) and (c)."
In addition, 29 CFR 1910.30 - Training Requirements, states "Before any employee is exposed to a fall hazard, the employer must provide training for each employee who uses personal fall protection systems or who is required to be trained as specified elsewhere in this subpart", and "Retraining. The employer must retrain an employee when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section", and "The employer must train each employee on or before May 17, 2017 in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment covered by this subpart before an employee uses the equipment."
To learn more about requirements for fall hazards, go to "Do you have fall or falling object hazards?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Fall Protection
Example Program: Fall Protection Guide
Presentation: Fall Protection
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some small employers may service and maintain machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, could harm employees. 29 CFR 1910.147 - The Control of Hazardous Energy, states "The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source, and rendered inoperative" and "Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section."
It also requires training as the standard states "The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees."; "The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training." and "Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment." Lastly, it requires an inspection of the procedures, as the standard states "The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed."
To learn more about other lockout/tagout requirements, go to "Do employees service or maintain equipment or machines?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Lockout/Tagout
Example Program: Lockout/Tagout Program
Presentation: Lockout/Tagout
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers need a Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program. The standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication, "Applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency." To determine if it applies to you, go to "Do you have employees that may be exposed to any chemical under normal conditions or in foreseeable emergencies?"
If it does, the standard also requires "All employers to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and information and training."
Lastly, the standard requires training on HazCom. "Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area."
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Hazard Communication
Example Program: Hazard Communication Program
Presentation: Hazard Communication
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some small employers have welding, cutting or brazing operations. Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting and Brazing, provides the requirements for these type of operations. 29 CFR 1910.252 - General Requirements, states "Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations shall be protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.132 - Personal Protective Equipment. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed."
It also states that management shall "Insist that cutters or welders and their supervisors are suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process" and "The employer shall ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of such materials and safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication."
If employees are doing welding, cutting or brazing operations, go to Does "Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting and Brazing" Apply to You? to learn more about these requirements. It also includes additional requirements for arc welding, resistance welding and oxygen-fuel used for gas welding.
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Welding, Cutting and Brazing
Presentation: Welding and Cutting
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some employers may have or need ventilation systems for the abrasive blasting, grinding, polishing, buffing or spray finishing operations. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart G - Occupational Health and Environmental Control provides the requirements for ventilation systems when performing these operations.
To learn more about these requirements, go to "Does Subpart G - Occupational Health and Environmental Control" Apply to You?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Abrasive Blasting, Ventilation, Spray Finishing Operations
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers may have exposures to hazardous substances that require the use of respirators. 29 CFR 1910.134 - Respiratory Protection, states "A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program, which shall include the requirements outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a respirator." and "Respiratory protection program. This paragraph requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use. The program must be administered by a suitably trained program administrator. In addition, certain program elements may be required for voluntary use to prevent potential hazards associated with the use of the respirator."
It also has requirements for a medical evaluation, fit-testing, training, inspections and recordkeeping. It states "The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator."; "Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP."; "This paragraph requires that, before an employee may be required to use any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. This paragraph specifies the kinds of fit tests allowed, the procedures for conducting them, and how the results of the fit tests must be used."; "All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning."; "This paragraph requires the employer to provide effective training to employees who are required to use respirators. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur annually, and more often if necessary. This paragraph also requires the employer to provide the basic information on respirators in appendix D of this section to employees who wear respirators when not required by this section or by the employer to do so." and "This section requires the employer to establish and retain written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This information will facilitate employee involvement in the respirator program, assist the employer in auditing the adequacy of the program, and provide a record for compliance determinations by OSHA."
To learn more about other respiratory protection requirements, go to "Do you have airborne contaminants?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Respiratory Protection
Example Program: Respiratory Protection Program
Presentation: Respiratory Protection
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers use scaffolds. The standard 29 CFR 1910.27 - Scaffolds and Rope Descent Systems, states "Scaffolds used in general industry must meet the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L (Scaffolds)."
The standard, 29 CFR 1926.451 - General Requirements for Scaffolds, states "Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person."; "Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity."; and "Manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope being used for toprails or midrails shall be inspected by a competent person as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements of paragraph (g) of this section."
29 CFR 1926.454 - Training Requirements, states "The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards." and When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. "
To learn more about scaffold requirements, go to "Do your employees use scaffolds?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Scaffolds
Presentation: Scaffolds
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers have compressed gas cylinders, use flammable liquids, and/or have dipping and coating operations. Subpart H - Hazardous Materials, provides requirements for compressed gases, flammable liquids, LP gases, and dipping and coating operations.
If you have gas cylinders, flammables, or dipping and coating operations, go to Does "Subpart H - Hazardous Materials" Apply to You? to learn more about these requirements. Note: Subpart H also provides the requirements for HAZWOPER, anhydrous ammonia, blasting and process safety management which normally do not fall under a small employer. However, if they do apply to you, Does "Subpart H - Hazardous Materials" Apply to You? will provide additional information regarding their requirements.
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Flammable Liquids, Compressed Gases, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, Ammonia/Ammonia Refrigeration, Dipping and Coating
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some employers may work in confined spaces. A confined space is defined as being large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
A permit-required confined space must have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
- Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
- Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
- Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
If your employees work in a permit-required confined space, 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-Required Confined Spaces, states "If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives" and "The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section."
To learn more, go to "Do you have permit-required confined spaces?"
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Confined Spaces
Example Program: Confined Space Entry Program
Presentation: Confined Spaces
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers need to have fire protection measures for their employees. 29 CFR 1910.157 - Portable Fire Extinguishers, states "Where the employer has established and implemented a written fire safety policy which requires the immediate and total evacuation of employees from the workplace upon the sounding of a fire alarm signal and which includes an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan which meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.39 respectively, and when extinguishers are not available in the workplace, the employer is exempt from all requirements of this section unless a specific standard in part 1910 requires that a portable fire extinguisher be provided."; "The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury."; "The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request."; "Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting."; and "The employer shall provide employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan with training in the use of the appropriate equipment."
To learn more about these requirements and other fire protection measures, go to Does "Subpart L - Fire Protection" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Portable Fire Extinguishers, Fire Protection and Prevention
Example Program: Fire Prevention Plan, Emergency Action Plan
Presentation: Exit Routes, Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some small employers use equipment for handling materials. Subpart N - Materials Handling and Storage, provides the standards for handling materials and storage which includes powered industrial trucks (forklifts), overhead and gantry cranes, crawler locomotive and truck cranes, derricks, helicopters and slings.
If you use any of these, go to Does "Subpart N - Materials Handling and Storage" Apply to You?. Some of the standards in this subpart require training such as 29 CFR 1910.178 - Powered Industrial Trucks. It states "The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l)."
In addition, if your employees service multi-piece and single piece rim wheels, then 29 CFR 1910.177 - Servicing Multi-piece and Single Piece Rim Wheels, applies and also requires training as it states "The employer shall provide a program to train all employees who service rim wheels in the hazards involved in servicing those rim wheels and the safety procedures to be followed."
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Materials Handling and Storage, Powered Industrial Trucks, Overhead and Gantry Cranes
Presentation: Materials Handling, Powered Industrial Trucks
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some small employers may have vehicle-mounted work platforms. Subpart F - Powered Platforms, Manlifts and Vehicle Mounted Work Platforms, provides the standards for powered platforms, vehicle mounted elevating and rotating work platforms and manlifts. 29 CFR 1910.67 - Vehicle-mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms, applies to "Any vehicle—mounted device, telescoping or articulating, or both, which is used to position personnel" applies to most work platforms used by small employers. This standard states "Only trained persons shall operate an aerial lift." and "A personal fall arrest or travel restraint system that meets the requirements in subpart I of this part shall be worn and attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift."
29 CFR 1910.66 - Powered Platforms for Building Maintenance, applies only to powered platform installations permanently dedicated to interior or exterior building maintenance of a specific structure or group of structures. It states "Working platforms shall be operated only by persons who are proficient in the operation, safe use and inspection of the particular working platform to be operated."; "Training of employees in the operation and inspection of working platforms shall be done by a competent person."; "Written work procedures for the operation, safe use and inspection of working platforms shall be provided for employee training. Pictorial methods of instruction, may be used, in lieu of written work procedures, if employee communication is improved using this method. The operating manuals supplied by manufacturers for platform system components can serve as the basis for these procedures."; and "The employer shall certify that employees have been trained in operating and inspecting a working platform by preparing a certification record which includes the identity of the person trained, the signature of the employer or the person who conducted the training and the date that training was completed. The certification record shall be prepared at the completion of the training required in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section, and shall be maintained in a file for the duration of the employee's employment. The certification record shall be kept readily available for review by the Assistant Secretary of Labor or the Assistant Secretary's representative."
The standard on Manlifts, 29 CFR 1910.68, applies to "A device consisting of a power-driven endless belt moving in one direction only, and provided with steps or platforms and handholds attached to it for the transportation of personnel from floor to floor." It states "Application. This section applies to the construction, maintenance, inspection, and operation of manlifts in relation to accident hazards. Manlifts covered by this section consist of platforms or brackets and accompanying handholds mounted on, or attached to an endless belt, operating vertically in one direction only and being supported by, and driven through pulleys, at the top and bottom. These manlifts are intended for conveyance of persons only. It is not intended that this section cover moving stairways, elevators with enclosed platforms ("Paternoster" elevators), gravity lifts, nor conveyors used only for conveying material. This section applies to manlifts used to carry only personnel trained and authorized by the employer in their use."
To learn more about these requirements, go to Does "Subpart F - Powered Platforms, Manlifts and Vehicle Mounted Work Platforms" Apply to You?
Note: Scissorlifts meet the definition of scaffolds and fall under the requirements for scaffolds (29 CFR 1910. 27 - Scaffolds and Rope Descent Systems) even when used for interior building maintenance.
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Manlifts, Aerial Lifts
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many employers use accident prevention signs and tags. 29 CFR 1910.145 - Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags provides sign and tag application and use for hazards such as danger, biohazard, slow moving vehicle, and caution. Sign refers to a surface on prepared for the warning of, or safety instructions of, industrial workers or members of the public who may be exposed to hazards. Tag means a device usually made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic or other material used to identify a hazardous condition.
In addition, employers may need to mark physical hazards to prevent injury to employees. 29 CFR 1910.144 - Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards provides the color codes to be used for fire (red), danger (red), stop (red); physical hazards (yellow) and caution (yellow).
Resources:
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers have potential exposures to hazardous substances such as silica, asbestos, benzene, beryllium, isocyanates, lead and other similar hazardous substances. Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances, provides the requirements for these substances and many include training, programs, PPE, medical surveillance, and recordkeeping requirements. To learn more about these requirements, go to Does "Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances, Organic Solvents, Hierarchy of Controls
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Some small employers may conduct commercial diving operations. This standard does not apply to any diving operation:
- Performed solely for instructional purposes, using open-circuit, compressed-air SCUBA and conducted within the no-decompression limits;
- Performed solely for search, rescue, or related public safety purposes by or under the control of a governmental agency.
29 CFR 1910.410 - Qualifications of Dive Team, states " Each dive team member shall have the experience or training necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe and healthful manner."
29 CFR 1910.420 - Safe Practices Manual, states "The employer shall develop and maintain a safe practices manual which shall be made available at the dive location to each dive team member."
29 CFR 1910.440 - Recordkeeping Requirements, states "Records and documents required by this standard shall be provided upon request to employees, designated representatives, and the Assistant Secretary in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (a)-(e) and (g)-(i). Safe practices manuals (§ 1910.420), depth-time profiles (§ 1910.422), recordings of dives (§ 1910.423), decompression procedure assessment evaluations (§ 1910.423), and records of hospitalizations (§ 1910.440) shall be provided in the same manner as employee exposure records or analyses using exposure or medical records. Equipment inspections and testing records which pertain to employees (§ 1910.430) shall also be provided upon request to employees and their designated representatives."
To learn more about the requirements for commercial diving operations, go to Does "Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations" Apply to You?
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Commercial Diving
Example Program: Safe Practices Manual
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Many small employers may work at another employer's worksite. On multi-employer worksites (in all industry sectors), more than one employer may be citable for a hazardous condition that violates an OSHA standard. A two-step process is followed in determining whether more than one employer will be cited.
- Step One - The first step is to determine whether the employer is a creating, exposing, correcting, or controlling employer. Note: Only exposing employers can be cited for General Duty Clause violations.
- Step Two - If the employer falls into one of these categories, it has obligations with respect to OSHA requirements.
Definitions:
Creating Employer - The employer that caused a hazardous condition that violates an OSHA standard.
Exposing Employer - An employer whose own employees are exposed to the hazard.
Correcting Employer - An employer who is engaged in a common undertaking, on the same worksite, as the exposing employer and is responsible for correcting a hazard. This usually occurs where an employer is given the responsibility of installing and/or maintaining particular safety/health equipment or devices.
Controlling Employer - An employer who has general supervisory authority over the worksite, including the power to correct safety and health violations itself or require others to correct them.
Resources:
Safety and Health Topic Page: Multi-Employer Worksites
Presentation: Multi-Employer Worksites
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
Other standards within 29 CFR Part 1910 - General Industry standards, may also be applicable to your work location, although they are generally associated with a large employer.
Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you manufacture and convert pulp, paper and/or paperboard?"
Textiles - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you manufacture or process textiles?"
Bakery equipment - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have bakery operations?"
Laundry machinery and equipment - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have laundry operations using laundry equipment?"
Sawmills - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have a sawmill?"
Telecommunications - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Are you in the telecommunications industry?"
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have electric power generation, transmission and/or distribution installations?"
Logging operations - To learn more about the requirements for logging operations, go to "Do you have logging operations?'
Grain handling - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have grain handling facilities?"
Process safety management - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have highly hazardous materials or a process involving highly hazardous material?"
Anhydrous ammonia - To learn more about these requirements, go to "Do you have anhydrous ammonia?"
Communication towers - To learn more about these requirements, go to Does the "Communication Tower Standards" Apply to You?
HAZWOPER - This standard provides requirements for three separate operations, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operation does not involve employee exposure or the reasonable possibility for employee exposure to safety or health hazards: clean-up operations by an employer; treatment, storage and disposal, and emergency response.
To learn more about requirements for clean-up operations, go to "Are your employees engaged in clean-up operations?"
To learn more about requirements for treatment, storage and disposal, go to "Do you have operations at a treatment, storage and disposal facility for hazardous materials?"
To learn more about requirements for emergency response, go to "Do your employees respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials?"
Resources:
NC Department of Labor: Training Calendar
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division provides many free resources to assist an employer in understanding and meeting the OSHA requirements.
Consultative Services
The Consultative Services Bureau helps small employers in meeting the requirements of the OSHA standards. In the private sector, consultation is limited to employers who have 500 or fewer employees nationwide, and In the public sector, priority is given to smaller municipal, county and state agencies. Services are provided free of charge. In addition, records maintained by the Consultative Services Bureau are kept confidential and are not shared with other NCDOL bureaus.
Standard Inquiries
If you have questions regarding the OSHA standards or North Carolina state-specific standards, please submit an inquiry about safety and health requirements to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.
Training and Outreach
The Education, Training and Technical Assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training (i.e., webinars) and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. The bureau also provides free 10- and 30-hour in general industry and construction across the state at community colleges and also provides individual topic on-site training.
Also reference the Training Requirements document provides the standards within general industry (Part 1910) and recordkeeping (Part 1904) that have training requirements. It also includes the North Carolina State-Specific standards for general industry that require training.
Which OSHA Standards Apply
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpages guides an employer through the standards for Recordkeeping, General Industry, Construction, Agriculture, Maritime and North Carolina State-Specific standards to help the employer identify the standards that apply to them. Printable version for general industry.
Programs, Presentations and Publications
Example safety and health programs and presentations (pre-recorded webinars) along with publications are available to assist the employer in meeting standards requirements. Also reference the Programs, Plans and Procedures document for general industry standards that require programs, plans and procedures and the Inspections document for general industry standards that require inspections.
Safety and Health Topics
The safety and health topic pages provides information on various topics including applicable standards, related compliance documents and other resources available.
Compliance Enforcement Procedures
OSH enforcement procedures provide guidance to compliance personnel, to ensure responsibilities are carried out in an effective, efficient and consistent manner.
Library Services
The NCDOL Library also offers a free safety and health streaming video service and provides research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).