Occupational Safety Guide

This manual was developed by The Ohio State University (Ohio State) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) group to provide administrative units with assistance complying with the State of Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP). PERRP, as part of Ohio House Bill 308 (HB308), adopted all Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 Parts 1910, 1926 and 1928. All adopted Ohio Employment Risk Reduction Standards are found in Chapter 4167 of the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code.

The role and mission of PERRP is to ensure public employees in Ohio have safe and healthy working conditions. Public employers must furnish to each public employee a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This fundamental requirement is the foundation of the Public Employment Risk Reduction Act (the Act) that is also referred to as HB308.

EHS will work with departmental safety representatives (OSHA Coordinators), committees, employees, and students throughout the university to address safety issues and to facilitate compliance with all PERRP/OSHA standards. The responsibility to comply with PERRP/OSHA regulations is the responsibility of the working unit.

This guidebook should be used by all units, including regional campuses.

1. Appoint an OSHA Coordinator (safety representative)
   To effectively organize and coordinate safety related activities, each administrative unit at Ohio State must select an individual to serve as its OSHA Coordinator. This person will act as a liaison between the unit and EHS and will coordinate departmental safety compliance.
    
2. Review this Manual
   This OSG has been developed to guide the administrative unit (OSHA Coordinator) through the step-by-step process of understanding and implementing standards required by applicable laws and regulations. It sets forth university policies, procedures, and practices and identifies available resources to help with implementation.
    
3. Complete the OSHA Standard Questionnaire
   The OSHA Standard Questionnaire is provided to serve as a guide for determining which standards apply to the administrative unit. Each of the questions is based on one standard. A YES answer to a question indicates the standard applies to the unit. Each section of standards contains information pertaining to the standard, written programs, a “self-help checklist,” and the OSHA fact sheet, if available.
    
4. Implement Applicable Sections of Standards
   This guidebook contains Sections of Standards that will provide the necessary information and contacts to help the OSHA Coordinator ensure the administrative unit is in compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations. Refer to the Sections of Standards to implement necessary programs.
    
5. Ensure Departmental Commitment to Safety Compliance
   Safety compliance is the responsibility of every employee. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees have all the tools and knowledge to safely do their jobs and comply with regulations. The OSHA Coordinator assists supervisors in identifying the safety programs necessary to comply and acts as a liaison between employees/supervisors and EHS. Additionally, the OSHA Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the appropriate departmental safety/compliance programs, ensuring training is provided, maintaining appropriate records, communicating hazards, and helping ensure a safe working environment by communicating hazards and implementing engineering and administrative controls and good work practices.