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Some Things to Consider in Facility Safety Programs
Information available through artificial intelligence (AI) driven searches is getting better. At least one service is geared for use by safety professionals. However, even for-fee AI searches generate incorrect information and must be checked.
Not all hazards or risks are addressed by specific OSHA standards. Consider referencing safety-related consensus standards; these can provide excellent information. Some are built into (incorporated by reference) OSHA regulations, although usually not the current version.
ANSI/ASSP Z590.3, Prevention through Design (Guidelines for Addressing Occupational Hazards and Risks in Design and Redesign Processes), is a good standard to know about. It provides a comprehensive approach to the integration of safety into the design and redesign of workplaces, tools, equipment, machinery, substances and work processes.
Consensus occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) standards use systems approaches and describe a management framework that people can learn from. They describe processes for hazard identification, assessment of risk and other things. OHSMSs, if adopted, can provide “the glue” between otherwise stand-alone safety procedures.
Common Facility Safety Considerations
OSHA regulations apply to persons working in facility safety or facility maintenance just as they do for persons working in the rest of an organization. Obviously, the exact standards that apply depend on where people work and what they are doing, but the point is that just because someone has less visibility or a high skill level, does not mean that OSHA does not apply.
This includes requirements pertaining to things like 29CFR1910.147, the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), and many others.
Special Attention
That said, there are some hazards that can center around facility management and facility maintenance functions that require attention. Some examples:
Working alone and remotely. Some tasks can result in isolated and hazardous work, such as climbing and work at elevation, or other processes with extra risk when performed alone. Without monitoring or communication with others, bad things happen that might not be discovered until too late.
Contract employees and temporary workers. Some processes may utilize contractors for various durations. Work conducted by the host can impact the contractor and vice versa. Some things require extra coordination, like for hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout). Also, contractors performing routine facility services might be asked by the facility staff to perform tasks outside their area of authorization or skills, and conversely, contract employees may take risks to “prove” themselves for employment.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.