NIOSH, OSHA Revise Small Business Safety and Health Handbook

NIOSH and OSHA have partnered to revise the Small Business Safety and Health Handbook, a guide that offers information on implementing workplace safety and health programs for small business employers. The handbook includes self-inspection checklists that employers can use to identify hazards for various work processes in general industry workplaces, including fire protection, hazard communication, and respiratory protection as well as issues related to permit-required confined spaces and walking-working surfaces. Another section of the handbook covers OSHA and NIOSH resources that can help employers control hazards in their workplaces, such as OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program. Other information focuses on whistleblower protection laws, training provided by OSHA’s education centers, and professional occupational safety and health associations with local chapters open to small businesses.

“Small businesses face many unique challenges and providing a safe and healthy work environment shouldn't be one of them,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, MD. “The updated Small Business Handbook is an easy-to-use tool to help keep your most valuable asset—your employees—safe and healthy on the job.”

For more information and to download a PDF of the handbook, see OSHA’s news release.