OSHA & Safety Compliance
Employers in the United States are required to provide a "reasonably safe" workplace for their employees, visitors, and sometimes for the employees of outside contractors and entities. What is considered reasonably safe is defined by: compliance with mandatory and voluntary regulations and standards; accident and injury histories; the courts; and custom and practice.
One means of assuring safety in the workplace is to follow and comply with the Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) rules and regulations. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) contains many of the rules and regulations concerning workplace safety issues. The Department of Labor, in 29CFR 1910 and 1926 publishes the current OSHA Regulations for general workplaces and construction sites respectively. Additional information concerning these rules and regulations may be found in the "Letters of Interpretations ", "OSHA Directives", and in court decisions concerning OSHA compliance litigation.
Other governmental bodies also promulgate safety-related workplace regulations. Examples of these regulatory agencies that have importance for many workplaces are the Federal (and State) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through 40 CFR, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) through 49 CFR. All three of these agencies (OSHA, EPA, and DOT) for example, have regulations concerning the safe handling, labeling, and contact with hazardous chemicals.
Meridian Engineering and Technology, Inc. staff have worked with these regulations in a variety of contexts including compliance meetings, auditing, litigation, and documenting compliance. Staff members teach graduate college courses in OSHA and EPA compliance in addition to courses in industrial hygiene and in workplace and product safety.
Often it is desirable for businesses to retain the services of consultants to provide theses types of services to provide objective, independent, and affordable compliance monitoring. Our experience with the spectrum of establishing what is considered "reasonably safe" and what constitutes compliance has made Meridian Engineering and Technology, Inc. a valuable resource for business and industry. We welcome your inquiries in providing safety consultation services.