Pub. 3 Issue 3

14 www.glancda.org Dealer Alert The Federal Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) is responsible for enacting and enforcing safety laws. In certain states such as California, Cal-OSHA, a state agency, enforces laws that are as stringent as Federal OSHA laws. The top 10 citations issued by Federal-OSHA in the 2015 fiscal year and how they are applicable to your dealership are as follows: Fall Protection: Falls, primarily from ladders and roofs, accounted for 113 fatalities (9% of all fatalities) in 2011. Any time a worker is at a height of 4 feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Hazard Communication: Employers are required to provide a written Hazard Communication Program, label hazardous chemicals, provide a Safety Data Sheet for each chemical, and document employee training. Scaffolding: Primarily applicable to the construction industry. Respiratory Protection: The bodyshop employees need specific training on policies (written) and practices involving the use of respirators during auto refinishing operations. Training on respiratory protection and fit testing, user seal check, and respiratory cleaning procedures are mandatory, and so is the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. When an employee chooses to wear a respirator even when it is not required under the regulation, information on proper usage, including limitations, must still be provided. Lockout/Tagout: Specific procedures and practices safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment. A written program and employee training (annual) is mandatory. Employees working on automobiles must comply by isolating energy to the engine to prevent inadvertent movement during repair or service. A lockout kit including locks should be available. Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts): OSHA compliance requires training in specific activities: forklift operations, loading and unloading, and vehicle maintenance. Evaluating the operator every three years is also mandatory.