In May 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), unveiled an updated version of the Small Business Safety and Health Handbook. Despite its name, this comprehensive handbook is an essential resource for all businesses—irrespective of their size—that aspire to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Over the years, the handbook’s checklist has become a trusted guide for assessing safety and health practices within businesses.
The latest revision broadens its scope considerably. It now includes additional checklists for areas such as ergonomics, young workers, workplace violence, and infection control. Moreover, it delves deeper into key topics like electrical safety, emergency planning, fire safety, hazard communication, heat illness prevention, noise exposure, and fall protection. These enhancements are indicative of OSHA’s ongoing efforts to expand and intensify its focus on workplace safety and health considerations.
All employers, especially those from small businesses, are encouraged to stay informed and utilize these resources. Doing so not only ensures a safe and healthy work environment but also aligns their operations with the relevant standards and guidelines.
