OSHA Work Practice Controls: A Comprehensive Guide

Workplace injuries and illnesses, irrespective of the industry, significantly impact employees and employers. It not only impacts the health and financial stability of employees while causing great losses to the organizations. Hence, maintaining practical work safety controls and measures should be of prime importance in any workplace. 

In 2023, private industry employers reported approximately 2.3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and 460,700 illnesses, marking increases of 4.5% and 26.1% from 2022, respectively. Apart from this, many incidents have been reported where chemical exposures and extreme temperatures, accounted for 28% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work in 2021-2022. So, let’s explore more about work practice controls and measures: 

What is Work Practice Controls

Work Practice Controls are a set of guidelines and policies that help minimize the risk of injuries and illnesses. These procedures do not merely revolve around the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) but transforming the workplace making it safe and secure.

Key Aspects of Work Practice Control 

 Below listed are some of its key aspects:

• Modification of Work Procedures: 

Organizations need to minimize hazards through safer handling, cleaning, or disposal methods.

• Personal Hygiene & Housekeeping: 

Employees should be encouraged to adopt good hygiene practices like washing hands and maintaining a clean work environment.

• Training & Procedures: 

Proper employee training programs should be introduced to teach and guide about safe work practices.

• Minimizing Risk of Exposure: 

Through these controls, companies can aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents, such as slips, trips, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.

What Relation OSHA Has To Work Practice Controls

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been playing a major role in enforcing work practice controls as part of its broader mandate to ensure worker safety and health in the United States.

OSHA’s Regulatory Framework

The established guidelines and regulations require employers to implement work practice controls that reduce workplace hazards. The OSHA’s regulations protect workers from exposure to harmful conditions, such as chemical hazards, biological agents, or physical dangers. Moreover, OSHA also encourages organizations to take other safety measures such as engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). OSHA mandates the use of a combination of these controls to minimize risks effectively.

Specific OSHA Standards for Work Practice Controls:

Some of OSHA’s leading standards include:

• Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030): 

The regulation enforces healthcare employers to implement work practice controls that include safe needle disposal and hand hygiene practices. It reduces exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

• Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200): 

The Hazard Communication Standard asks employers to educate workers about chemical hazards in the workplace, and work practice controls (such as safe handling procedures). These regulations must be implemented to protect employees from harmful chemical exposure.

• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout, 29 CFR 1910.147): 

Work practice controls are central to lockout/tagout procedures, which are designed to prevent accidental machine start-ups during maintenance. OSHA’s guidelines require employers to establish work practices for proper de-energization and locking out of machines.

All across the U.S., OSHA carries out workplace inspections to implement work practice controls. If any employee or organization fails to comply with policies or maintain appropriate work practice controls, OSHA issues penalties and requires corrective actions to be taken.

The Importance of Work Practice Controls

Here are some of the core outcomes of having a fully controlled work practice environment. 

Prevention of Injuries and Illnesses:

It helps minimize exposure to potential hazards like chemicals, biological agents, and physical dangers. Moreover, these controls replace unsafe behaviors with safer practices, reducing the likelihood of incidents caused by human error.

Regulatory Compliance (OSHA Standards):

OSHA or other regulatory bodies mandate work practice controls to ensure workplaces are compliant with safety laws. Moreover, work practice controls are often based on established best practices, which align with regulatory requirements. It ensures that workplaces remain safe while meeting industry standards.

Enhanced Worker Safety:

By establishing such safe work policies, employers help protect workers from common workplace injuries like cuts, strains, falls, and exposure to harmful substances. They facilitate the employees with PPE and guides to ensure the safe completion of tasks. 

Improved Workplace Culture:

Safety becomes the Priority of organizations. It helps foster a culture of care and responsibility. It also helps employees feel more valued, which can enhance morale and job satisfaction. Moreover, work practice controls encourage continuous learning and training, keeping workers informed about the best and safest ways to perform their tasks.

How To Implement Them

Organizations need to adopt a structured approach to identify and mitigate risks; thereby, establishing best work practice controls. Here are some ways that can help implement. 

1. Identify Hazards

It involves conducting a detailed hazard assessment and involving employees to share their challenges in completing a certain task. 

2. Develop Work Practice Control Procedures

Companies can create specific procedures based on the hazards identified to develop safe work practices that can mitigate risks. For Instance: :

• Safe Lifting Techniques
• Sharps Handling
• Chemical Handling
• Tailor Procedures to the Specific Task/Environment

3. Training and Education

Safety training of employees is one of the most important steps to establish a safe work environment. It helps to guide and educate both employees and employers about policies and regulations that can keep their health and lives secure. 

Conclusion

Work Practice Controls are a critical component of any workplace safety strategy. It helps prevent injuries, illnesses, and accidents by establishing clear guidelines on how tasks should be performed. Organizations can foster a safer work environment by identifying hazards, developing specific procedures, training employees, and monitoring compliance,