TechneTrain Articles for the Restaurant Industry
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OSHA Steps it Up  The tone has changed in the OSHA Administration and efforts to ramp up and crack down are already in motion. More resources are being allocated to enforcement, and penalties and fines are being increased. Now is a good time to review your safety program and ensure that it is iron-clad. Here is a brief overview of some of OSHA’s recent and planned actions.

OSHA Clarifies General Duty Clause With a new administration focused on increased OSHA inspections and the enforcement of safer workplaces, it is a good time to review your safety program and ensure it is ironclad. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has recently published a new Field Operations Manual (FOM) which tells OSHA officials how to conduct inspections and set fines. This manual also clarifies the General Duty Clause, which is the catch-all for safety issues in the workplace not covered by specific standards. ...(September 2009) 

OSHA and the Restaurant Industry  OSHA has recently released its citation data for last year. Restaurants rated in the top 3% among all industries for OSHA violations in certain categories:  the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, requirements for safe walking and working surfaces (slips, trips and falls), and for provision and use of personal protective equipment.  Safety incidents can lead to escalating overhead costs!  Avoiding costly OSHA citations requires that you provide a safe workplace and understand what OSHA might focus on in your business.   Looking at last year’s OSHA citations can give you insight into where to focus your compliance activities...

OSHA Issues Rule Clarification on Employer Responsibilities for Employee Personal Protective Equipment  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced a new rule clarifying employer responsibilities regarding payment for PPE...

The ABCs of OSHA Compliance  A successful safety program is your legal obligation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  But what exactly does OSHA say you need to do and where do you start?

Protecting Your Employees and Your Business  Protecting your employees and protecting the bottom line for your business go hand in hand.  Every injury that is prevented saves money, in terms of workers' compensation claims and premiums, and in increased employee comfort, which leads to increased productivity and reduced turnover.  A successful safety program is also your legal obligation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act...

Hispanic Worker Safety  There are approximately 17.5 million Hispanic workers in the U.S., and these workers have vital roles in virtually every American Industry.  The responsibility for providing a safe and healthful workplace for all employees rests squarely on the shoulders of every employer.  Employers face some specific challenges when it comes to the safety of Hispanic workers, particularly in the bilingual training area...

Teen Worker Safety  It is an unfortunate fact that children do get injured, and even killed, in the workplace.  Approximately 80% of teens are employed at some point before they leave high school.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that over 210,000 American children suffer occupational injuries every year, and over 70,000 of these injuries are serious enough to warrant emergency room treatment.  Teens are consistently injured at higher rates than adults, even though they are restricted from the most hazardous jobs...

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