OSHA Resources for Small Business
Making the Business Case for Safety and Health
OSHA has assembled links to resources showing the costs of workplace injuries and illnesses, economic benefits of workplace safety and health, and tools to help employers get started on improving safety and health in the workplace. "Making the Business Case for Safety and Health" provides resources including success stories, case studies and tools to help employers get started on improving safety and health in the workplace.
OSHA Resources Targeted to Small Employers
OSHA offers a page on their Web site specifically for smaller businesses designed to encourage safety and prevent workplace injuries. The page also provides access to interactive computer software, technical information and easy-to-follow guides for specific OSHA standards.
The OSHA Small Business Page provides links to these resources.
OSHA Safety Tools
Learn about eight safety tools that your business has already paid for. You can access software, which prepares your business for OSHA compliance. You can also access useful brochures, publications and videos to help you train employees in areas where it is required. Another helpful tool explains your rights as an employer following an OSHA inspection.
Read "Eight Safety Tools You've Already Paid For" for more useful tools.
Create a Drug-Free Workplace
Small businesses are twice as likely as large businesses to employ drug users. Since most small businesses do not have drug-free policies, they become a target for substance abusers. By establishing a drug-free workplace program at your business, you protect your workplace and educate employees about the risks associated with substance abuse. Implementing a drug-free policy at your workplace also improves your business' bottom line.
Learn more about creating a drug- and alcohol-free work environment from the OSHA resource for a drug-free workplace.
Compliance Assistance Resources
OSHA offers a step-by-step guide for small businesses to identify health and safety requirements that are subject to OSHA’s general industry standards. The standards apply to manufacturing industries, wholesale and retail establishments.
OSHA's Quick Start Web site has more information about these assistance resources.
Free OSHA Consultation Service
OSHA offers a free and confidential consultation opportunity to allow your business to identify potential hazards at worksites and improve safety and health management systems. OSHA also provides your business the opportunity to qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.
OSHA Consulting Services provides more information on this free service.
Work Safety for Hispanic Employees
OSHA has developed free Spanish language tools to assist you in providing a safe workplace for your Hispanic workers.
Read "Say 'Work Safely' in Spanish" for more information.
Small Businesses Go The Extra Mile to Ensure A Safe Workplace
For examples of how OSHA has helped small businesses address safety issues, read "OSHA Small-Business Success Stories."
The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small employers who create an exemplary health and safety program.
Benefits of being a SHARP company include lowering injury rates, reducing lost workdays, improving employee morale and avoiding OSHA inspections for a year. Learn how your business can receive one of OSHA’s highest awards and become a model for worksite safety and health.
Read "SHARP Status: Consultation Service Leads to Exemption from OSHA Programmed Inspections" for information on how you can have a SHARP business.
OSHA's Safety Pays program
OSHA has developed the interactive Safety Pays program as a tool to help employers estimate the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses and the impact on a company's profitability.