Top 10 OSHA Safety Tips for Employers

A Practical Checklist for Building a Safer Workplace

Workplace safety isn’t just about avoiding fines or inspections — your company needs to protect employees while maintaining productivity, and creating a culture where people feel valued and secure. OSHA guidelines help do just that by providing a strong framework for reducing injuries and preventing costly accidents, but many employers struggle with where to start. This checklist breaks down 10 essential OSHA-aligned safety tips employers can use to strengthen their safety programs, reduce risk, and keep employees injury-free.

1. Conduct Regular Workplace Safety Audits

Routine safety audits are one of the most effective ways to identify hazards before someone gets hurt. Employers should regularly walk through job sites, offices, warehouses, and equipment areas to spot unsafe conditions, outdated procedures, or compliance gaps.

Audits should be documented and followed by corrective action. OSHA encourages employers to proactively assess risks rather than wait for workplace injuries to occur.

Checklist tip: Schedule audits at least annually, and more often in high-risk industries.

2. Provide Ongoing Safety Training (Not Just Once)

One-time training during onboarding isn’t enough. OSHA emphasizes continuous education so workers stay aware of hazards, new equipment, and updated procedures. Short refresher sessions help reinforce safe behaviors and reduce complacency.

Training should be:

• Job-specific
• Easy to understand
• Offered multiple times per year.

Checklist tip: Track completed training sessions and refreshers for every employee.

3. Encourage Hazard Reporting Without Fear

Employees are often the first to notice unsafe conditions, but they may hesitate to speak up if they fear discipline or retaliation. OSHA promotes open reporting and protects workers who raise safety concerns. Creating a non-punitive reporting system encourages early intervention before accidents happen.

Checklist tip: Make reporting anonymous when possible and follow up on reported issues visibly.

4. Keep Accurate Injury and Incident Records

OSHA requires many employers to maintain injury and illness records using OSHA Form 300, 300A, and 301. Accurate records help identify patterns, recurring hazards, and areas where prevention efforts should be strengthened. Even near-miss incidents should be documented — they often signal larger risks.

Checklist tip: Review injury logs quarterly to spot trends and address root causes.

5. Ensure Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment — such as gloves, helmets, eye protection, or fall gear — is essential when hazards can’t be eliminated. OSHA requires employers to provide appropriate PPE and train workers on proper use. PPE must fit properly, be maintained, and be replaced when damaged.

Checklist tip: Conduct PPE assessments for each role and inspect equipment regularly.

6. Maintain Equipment and Machinery Consistently

Faulty or poorly maintained equipment is a major cause of workplace injuries. OSHA standards require proper machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and routine inspections. Preventive maintenance protects workers and reduces downtime caused by equipment failure.

Checklist tip: Create a written maintenance schedule and log all repairs and inspections.

7. Address Ergonomics and Repetitive Motion Risks

Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting, bending, or repetitive tasks are among the most common workplace injuries. OSHA encourages employers to evaluate ergonomics and redesign tasks to reduce strain. Small changes, like adjustable workstations or mechanical lifting aids, can have a big impact.

Checklist tip: Watch for early signs of strain complaints and adjust tasks promptly.

8. Protect Workers From Heat and Environmental Hazards

Heat exposure, especially in southern states like South Carolina, poses serious risks. OSHA guidance stresses hydration, rest breaks, acclimatization, and training on heat illness symptoms. Environmental hazards such as poor air quality, noise exposure, or chemical fumes should also be addressed.

Checklist tip: Provide water, shade, and flexible schedules during extreme heat.

9. Clearly Communicate Safety Rules and Expectations

Safety policies only work if employees understand them. OSHA recommends clear communication through signage, written policies, toolbox talks, and supervisor engagement. Language barriers, literacy levels, and job roles should be considered when sharing safety information.

Checklist tip: Post safety reminders in visible areas and reinforce them during meetings.

10. Lead by Example and Build a Safety-First Culture

Leadership sets the tone for workplace safety. When managers follow safety rules, wear PPE, and take concerns seriously, employees are more likely to do the same. OSHA consistently highlights leadership commitment as a key factor in successful safety programs.

Checklist tip: Include safety performance in supervisor evaluations and company goals.

Safety Is an Ongoing Commitment

OSHA compliance isn’t a one-time task — it’s a continuous process of identifying hazards, training employees, and improving systems. Employers who prioritize safety not only reduce injuries and workers’ compensation claims but also foster trust, morale, and long-term success.

By using this Top 10 OSHA Safety Tips checklist, employers can take meaningful steps toward safer, more compliant workplaces, protecting both their workforce and their business.