(FS8) Making Sure Your Franchise Follows OSHA Rules

As the manager and owner of your franchise, it’s your job to ensure workplace safety, but how do you do that? Your franchisor has done a lot of the work for you already by providing you with a manual they’ve created based on past experience. You should have a manual that states the safety procedures all the other franchises follow. You should also review the Occupational Safety and Health Act which was administered by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). All employers are required to read and follow these guidelines. All employers are also required to have the OSHA manual somewhere on their premises for employees to reference when they need to. It contains information on chemical and food safety, sound safety, dangerous substances, and equipment safety as well as other nation-wide health regulations.

Every Franchise Has Different Safety Policies

Safety concerns vary from business to business and industry to industry, but thanks to franchising, you don’t have to start at ground zero finding what applies to you. No one wants to see an employee or customer get hurt, which is why it’s important to know your surroundings and exactly what safety should be followed. Everyone wants to work happily and it’s much easier to do in a clean and safe workplace.

Following Safety Rules Isn’t Just About Safety, It’s Also About Legality

There’s another reason to follow safety guidelines: the law. If you fail to follow guidelines set by local and federal rulers, you will be threatened with fines as well as closures. In some cases, you can serve jail time for endangering the lives of others. If you have any questions about protection against robberies, talk to your local police station no what you can do. Check out your employees thoroughly to ensure safety for employees and consumers. Educate your employees on safety procedures that everyone must follow such as not leaving the restaurant at night alone or having safety procedures for that.

As much as this sounds like common sense, it’s important to reiterate for those who may not think about it. It’s better to be safe than sorry in every case.

Continue Reading from The Franchise Series 8

• Hiring, Training, and Other Staff Decisions in Your Business
• Different Legal Issues to Consider For Hiring in Your Franchise
• Successfully Interviewing For Your Franchise Business
• Things to Remember During Interviews at Your Franchise
• What Comes After the Interview in Your Franchise
• Being an Effective Leader for Your Franchise
• Training Your Team to Work in Your Franchise Efficiently
• Keeping the Employees You Want in Your Franchise