The Value of Safety Audits

Every year Tennessee OSHA conducts hundreds of on-site safety compliance audits. These audits take place across all sectors that include health care, manufacturing, construction, and the public sector.  Some of the top 10 most cited items are hazard communication, fall protection, medical/first aid, respiratory protection program and head protection. Some of these result in citations and monetary penalties that could reach thousands of dollars.  OSHA regulations apply to nearly every employer in the state of Tennessee regardless of size. So, not only factories and warehouses, but retail stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, schools, hotels, theme parks, etc. are required to comply with OSHA standards. If Tennessee OSHA showed up at your door today, would you be ready? How would you do? If you are not certain, or if you need help knowing what to do, we can help. As we tell the people we work with: We are not here to get you in trouble. We are here to keep you out of trouble.

Maybe you feel like the program is in really good shape and you just want to have an outside set of eyes come in and help you keep your workplace safe, or you want assistance preparing for the Volunteer Star VPP Program or the TN SHARP program. We can work with you to provide assistance with that too. Preparation is key to a safe workplace, and we help achieve that by conducting the audit as if it were TOSHA. We review safety and health program records, paperwork, and other documentation. In addition, we take the time to walk through your facility with you. Once complete, we will prepare a thorough written report detailing our findings. Once you have a chance to review the report, we are available to help with any questions, training, or improvement opportunities as you move forward.

For more information please contact Bryan Lane bryan.lane@tennessee.edu or Dustin Housewright dustin.housewright@tennessee.edu.