It is important to recognize that once all OSHA-required programs are written, effective procedures must be established to insure successful implementation. It is critical that these procedures be clearly and precisely conveyed to all affected employees. In other words, employees must be educated to recognize hazardous and unsafe conditions as well as empowered to correct those conditions.

OSHA-styled facility audits are a valuable tool in determining your organization's compliance with OSHA directives. These audits identify hazardous conditions; evaluate mandated programs and procedures as well as reduce governmental liability and overall workers' compensation costs. If done consistently and thoroughly OSHA-styled facility audits will provide a snapshot of an organization's complete Health & Safety Program and provide a framework whereby necessary corrections can be accomplished.

The administration of a successful and effective OSHA-compliance program is a time consuming and demanding task, requiring company-wide involvement, intense goal-setting and constant maintenance. Formulating aggressive strategies and developing a comprehensive and condition-of-employment program will provide your employees a safe and healthy workplace, thus minimizing the risk of liability, costly citations and fines as well as associated workers' compensation claims costs.

Arguably, the most critical element of any compliance program is Employee Education. At EBS Consulting, we have found that employee education that requires the participants to interact within the framework of the workshop environment has been shown to increase those participants' ability to retain and actively use the knowledge and skills acquired. Effective and comprehensive training will increase employee retention, productivity, and will enhance overall employee satisfaction and participation in any OSHA-compliance program.