Is your business OSHA compliant? All businesses are required to follow rules and regulations designed to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for employees. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the law. And even if you haven’t had any on-site injuries or accidents, your business still could be subject to fines and/or penalties if you don’t follow the OSHA regulations that apply to your business and industry.106964639_M

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act details specific responsibilities employers have regarding ensuring a safe and healthy workspace for their workers:

  • Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards and complying with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSHA Act that apply to their enterprise.
  • Examining workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards.
  • Making sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and that the equipment is properly maintained. Employees should be trained to use equipment/tools safely.
  • Using color codes, posters, labels and/or signs to warn employees of potential hazards and remind them of best safety practices.
  • Establishing or updating operating procedures and communicating them so that employees follow safety and health requirements.
  • Providing safety training in a language and vocabulary workers can understand. Reminding employees of what they’ve learned in training and providing periodic educational opportunities reinforcing safety.

Federal law provides employees the right to contact their local OSHA office and make a complaint or lodge a concern regarding their place of employment. Because of the importance of worker safety, OSHA takes workplace violations seriously, and Inspections that reveal non-compliance can result in fines/penalties for the business.

OSHA encourages all employers to adopt a workplace safety and health program, regardless of the type of business or industry. These types of risk management programs can substantially reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries, maintain worker safety and demonstrate a company’s commitment to safety. Most successful safety and health programs are based on a common set of key elements. These include a leadership commitment to safety, worker participation, a written safety plan/program and an effective approach to finding and fixing hazards. Simply put, smart planning can protect your business and keep it compliant with OSHA rules/regulations.

Prevention and preparation are the keys to avoiding costly and dangerous accidents or workplace problems. At Accurate Protection, we deliver the strategies, tools and resources that you need to assist with OSHA standards and requirements. We can help you understand OSHA regulations that apply to you and your business/industry, prepare for an OSHA inspection, maintain good records and stay up-to-date on ever-changing rules and regulations. Learn more about all of the ways we can help your business manage its unique risks and thrive.

Figuring out which types of insurance coverages are right for your company isn’t always easy. Here are four basic types of insurance policies that most businesses need to have —even the smallest of companies — and four other coverages that many business owners need but don’t realize they do:

Property insurance. This type of insurance covers buildings as well as personal property such as office furniture, inventory, computers and machinery. It’s basic coverage that nearly all businesses need.

Liability insurance. Having enough liability coverage is important for a growing company. Any business can face a legal claim that could be financially devastating. A client could sue after a fall in your office. A customer could file a lawsuit claiming a product is defective. Liability insurance can help a business prevent a financial disaster in the event of a lawsuit.

Commercial auto insurance. Cars driven for your business should be covered under a separate, commercial auto insurance policy.

Workers compensation insurance. Nearly all states require businesses that meet certain size thresholds to have workers compensation insurance in the event an employee is injured or dies on the job.

Depending on the type and size of the business, you may need additional coverage. Here are four types of coverage that business owners often don’t realize they need to protect themselves:

Cyber liability insurance. One study found that the average cost of a cyber attack on a company is $200,000; many attacks are more costly. Small and medium-sized companies are increasingly at risk for both attacks and devastating legal claims as a result of an attack. All businesses need to take steps to prepare for and help prevent a cyber attack and consider purchasing coverage in the event one does happen.

Employment practices liability. EPL is designed to protect companies in the event of a sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination or breach of employment contract claim or any of a number of other claims made by an employee or former employee. The more employees you have, the greater the risk of a lawsuit.

Professional liability (also known as errors and omissions). Many different types of business owners need E&O insurance coverage. Businesses providing a service or advice have a unique type of liability exposure. Many E&O policies are designed for specific types of professionals, such as physicians. accountants, engineers, architects and attorneys.

Employee benefits liability. EBL is coverage for businesses that offer health insurance and other benefits. It protects them from errors and omissions that occur when employee benefit plans are administered by a company’s human resources employee(s). These types of errors happen more than you might think.