In 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported over 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries in the U.S. Although some were unavoidable, many of these could have been prevented with the proper use of safety supplies and adherence to compliance standards.
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of how costly overlooking safety can be—not only in terms of financial penalties but also the health and well-being of employees. Yet, despite the clear risks, why do so many businesses still fall short in prioritizing safety? And how do the right safety supplies truly make a difference in avoiding such incidents?
Understanding Key Workplace Safety Regulations
Without a clear understanding of safety standards, workplaces face serious risks that can lead to accidents and legal issues. Established in 1970, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets these standards across the U.S. by drawing from research, best practices, and feedback to safeguard the well-being of workers. Some include the General Duty Clause, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards, Hazard Communication (HAZCOM), Fall Protection, and many others, contained in the OSHA Small Business Handbook.
The regulations might differ by industry. For example, construction sites require fall protection and hard hats, while healthcare settings need proper sanitation and PPE to prevent contamination. Regardless, companies must adhere to these regulations, or risk serious consequences. All that to say, compliance with these standards is more than just a legal obligation—it’s about protecting workers from injuries and maintaining a safe work environment which is where safety supplies come in.
The Role of Safety Supplies in Ensuring Compliance
Safety supplies aren’t just a fancy thing to have. They help in ensuring businesses remain compliant with safety standards and minimize risks. Let’s break down some key safety supplies integral in compliance:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. For example items like hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and reflective vests which shield workers from falling objects, and impact-related injuries. Similarly, in healthcare, masks, gowns, and gloves provide protection against contamination, viruses, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Each of these industries has specific PPE requirements that businesses must comply with, and failure to do so can result in severe penalties or, worse, employee harm. Furthermore, OSHA mandates that employers provide PPE to their employees. They must also ensure it fits properly, and that workers are trained in its use to ensure proper functionality.
First Aid and Emergency Supplies
No workplace is entirely free from accidents, and first aid kits and emergency supplies fill the gaps. They serve in providing care to the injured in the early hours especially when hospitals might be dealing with a large influx of patients, staffing challenges or structural damage.
That said, OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.151 standard mandates workplaces to have sufficient first aid equipment based on the hazards employees are exposed to. It’s also not enough to just have the equipment—regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure they are functional when needed. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in hefty fines and, more importantly, put workers’ lives at risk.
Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies
Where germs thrive, so does illness and inequality. Covid-19 came as a surprise to many and with the rise of infectious diseases, sanitation and hygiene supplies have become more critical than ever. Disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and cleaning materials aren’t only for keeping surfaces clean, they help prevent the spread of illness, keeping employees and customers protected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA both set hygiene standards to prevent the spread of infections in workplaces. This includes ensuring that janitorial supplies are readily available and used consistently in high-risk environments. The food service industry has similar regulations to prevent contamination.
Best Practices for Using Safety Supplies
Proper Usage and Training
Even the most advanced safety gear is ineffective if employees aren’t trained to use it correctly. For example, a hard hat worn improperly or a fire extinguisher that an employee doesn’t know how to use can lead to serious consequences in cases of accidents. That’s why providing training on how to use safety equipment, from wearing PPE to using first aid kits, is important. Regular and practical training sessions would keep employees up to date on safety protocols, increasing their confidence and reducing the risk of accidents.
Routine Maintenance and Inspections
Safety supplies need to be regularly inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly. For example, fire extinguishers should be checked for expiration dates, and first aid kits must be restocked to ensure availability in case of an emergency.
Regular maintenance checks are not just a recommendation—they are an OSHA requirement. If OSHA conducts an inspection and finds expired or damaged safety gear, there can be serious consequences, including hefty fines or even shutdowns.
ISP Tip: Companies should schedule monthly maintenance checks and create a log to document each inspection. Setting up reminders for expiration dates, especially for critical supplies like PPE or fire extinguishers, ensures that nothing is overlooked
How ISP Helps Businesses Maintain Compliance
At International Supply Partners, our occupation is keeping your workplace safe and compliant with OSHA and other industry regulations. That’s why we provide a range of safety supplies, including PPE, sanitation products, and emergency equipment.
We stock from the most reliable brands for your protective gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, fire extinguishers, etc, to keep your workers safe and compliant. What’s more? Knowing that different industries have different safety requirements, we offer custom services with expert consultation unique to your industry without the hefty price tags. Compliance doesn’t have to be expensive and ISP helps you stay on course.
Conclusion
On a daily basis, workers are exposed to various physical and health hazards. Maintaining a safe and compliant work environment is not only a regulatory necessity but an investment in the well-being of employees and the long-term success of a business as they serve as the frontline defense against workplace hazards.
By choosing a trusted supplier like International Supply Partners (ISP), businesses ensure they are meeting OSHA and other regulatory body standards while receiving solutions that align with their industry needs. Thanks to our global footprint and local expertise, we’re always on ground to supply cost-effective, without sacrificing quality or budget.