Your workplace likely has a number of safety regulations that are required by law in order to operate. However, there are some regulations that are beyond your scope of knowledge. For 2020 and beyond, let us take a very close look at some workplace safety regulations you should ask a lawyer about.
Emergency action plans
To start things off, emergency action plans are at the heart of safety. The more thinking you can do before the emergency happens, the less you have to do in the heat of the moment. Nevertheless, it’s best to contact a lawyer who can go over your emergency plan. He or she can give feedback on the details and whether there’s anything you missed from a legal standpoint. Because legal action can be complicated at times, it’s easy to overlook bullet points that will later be revealed in court. Although an emergency action plan doesn’t have to be overly intricate, it has to be effective. Make sure your plan is upholding all the necessary safety regulations of your workplace. You’ll only have to deviate from the plan in the most severe situations.
Next up, noise exposure is a tricky one. The bottom line is, there’s often a lack of evidence when it comes to noise exposure. Things might seem loud, but it can be difficult to definitively acquire proof. You need to use a decibel meter in the right locations, and it can’t just be a single-use. You need to measure noise levels at various areas of your workplace and over a prolonged period of time. In the courtroom, the safety practices of the worker must be considered as well. It makes a world of a difference whether they were wearing hearing protection or were staying a proper distance away from the noise source. Your lawyer will know all the details about noise exposure in your state and how you can go about these readings. It’s a safety regulation that is critical for long term hearing. At the same time, it’s one of the hardest to enforce, so see what legal advice your lawyer has to offer.
Compliance
Rarely do resilient businesses get away with doing the minimum but it is a clear goal to keep in mind. Compliance with local, national and international regulations may affect your business in ways you might not fully grasp. However, more often than not, forward-looking entrepreneurs and directors work with the knowledge that they’re promoting the safety of their customers and employees as much as that of their business. In this respect, establishing clear safety procedures, demanding employees follow required protocols, and using the help of safety consultant services when necessary, can become critical steps towards dealing or, ideally, preventing any sort or accident or emergency. Combine a consultant with a lawyer for an even more holistic view of potential dangers and pitfalls. If you can be safe by following all legal requirements, you’re also safeguarding against costly lawsuits and liability issues.
Last but not least, hazardous materials should be brought to a lawyer’s attention as well. Regulations vary greatly from state to state. Some regulations mandate that all hazardous materials be kept in special and separate containers. Some regulations include more materials than others in the first place. A lawyer can bring you up to date on the rules for hazardous materials in your state. Unfortunately, there is a pretty large grey area. It’s not always obvious how to define the handling of hazardous materials and whether proper safety precautions were used. Here, a little legal advice goes a long way. You’ll be able to establish standards for your workers and make sure they know the limits and boundaries of the workplace. This sort of communication is paramount to keeping everyone safe and sound.
Conclusion
Right now, when all is said and done, these are some workplace safety regulations you should ask a lawyer about. Although you might think you know everything about safety, it’s always good to have a second opinion. Contact your lawyer today and keep everyone safe!
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