The Big Picture
PCD Credit: OSHA-Compliant Facilities
(1-2 Points, Reciprocal)
Credit Summary
Impact Summary
Submittal Summary
Case Studies and Benefits
Intent and Requirements
Intent:
Promote safe and efficient operation of waste disposal facilities.
Local Government and Industry Requirements
Prevent or identify and correct OSHA-related operational violations and/or recommendations in all OSHA covered facilities under the control of the Local Government or Company.
Tier 1: (1 point)
- Demonstrate a current OSHA-compliant safety plan that has been updated within the past 2 years.
- Conduct an OSHA (or equivalent)-Level audit by a qualified auditor following the official forms, which must be completely filled out.
Qualified auditors include:
- Federal or State OSHA inspector;
- Insurance inspector (must have current CSP, or CIH certification);
- Union CIH or equivalent safety official
Full remediation of all OSHA (or equivalent) incidents reported.
Tier 2: (+1 point)
- Fulfill Tier 1 requirements
And
- Implement a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). See OSHA Guidelines: www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html
Potential Strategy
List all OSHA violations and state of resolution for the last 5 years.
Why We Care
OSHA compliant practices and safe vehicle processes provide many benefits to the workplace. First and foremost, these safety measures reduce fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, solid waste collection is considered the fifth most dangerous job in the United States due to the sheer number of fatalities that occur from it every year. OSHA inspections can help identify potential issues and fix them before they become worse and cause deaths. OSHA audits can also find where safety programs need to improve to ensure a safer workplace for all employees. Many fatalities have occurred due to employees not being sufficiently trained to recognize potential risks from working with collection vehicles, so improved safety programs are imperative. Furthermore, companies that excel in safety can be exempt from OSHA inspections and can avoid paying fees for complaints about violations. Municipalities and industries can also reduce workers’ compensation costs by getting rid of unsafe conditions in the first place. With fewer injuries and a more safe workplace, productivity can be increased.
How to Meet the Requirements
To meet this requirement, Local Governments and Industry Leaders must prove that they have prevented or identified and corrected OSHA-related operational violations and/or recommendations in all OSHA covered facilities under the control of the Local Government or Company. These changes must also fall under either tier 1 or 2’s criteria.
Required Documentation
Case Studies & In-Depth Information
Referenced Standards
Definitions
CIH Certification
ABIH Definition: A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is an individual who has met the minimum requirements for education and experience, and through examination, has demonstrated a minimum level of knowledge and skills in the following rubric (subject matter) areas:
- Air Sampling & Instrumentation
- Analytical Chemistry
- Basic Science
- Biohazards
- Biostatistics & Epidemiology
- Community Exposure
- Engineering Controls/Ventilation
- Ergonomics
- Health Risk Analysis & Hazard Communication
- IH Program Management
- Noise
- Non-Engineering Controls
- Radiation – Ionizing and Non-ionizing
- Thermal Stressors
- Toxicology
- Work Environments & Industrial Processes
CSP Certification
BCSP Definition: Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) are persons who perform at least 50% of professional level safety duties, including making worksite assessments to determine risks, assessing potential hazards and controls, evaluating risks and hazard control measures, investigating incidents, maintaining and evaluating incident and loss records, and preparing emergency response plans.
OSHA
OSHA Definition: With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)
OSHA Definition: The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) recognize employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through a system focused on: hazard prevention and control; worksite analysis; training; and management commitment and worker involvement.