(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Compliant)
Provider: OpsIntegrity^TM

Purpose:
This training introduces new workers to core occupational safety principles, OSHA rights and responsibilities, emergency procedures, and personal safety practices in a general industry setting. It is designed for multiple employer use.

Introduction and Summary:

Awareness of Your Role, Responsibilities, and Safety Resources:

Welcome to the team! As you begin your employment, it’s essential to understand that workplace safety is not just a set of rules, it’s a shared responsibility and a fundamental part of our company culture. This awareness introduction provides a basic understanding of your safety obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards, your role as an employee, and the employer’s responsibilities to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

Your Role as an Employee:

As an employee, you are the most important part of creating and maintaining a safe workplace. OSHA and industry standards require every employee to:

• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and rules established by your employer.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Report all injuries, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor or safety contact.
• Participate actively in required safety training and emergency response drills.
• Cooperate fully with safety inspections, audits, and investigations.

Remember: OSHA holds employees accountable for adhering to safety standards while also protecting your right to a safe workplace.

Your Employer’s Responsibilities:

Your employer has a legal duty under OSHA to provide you with a safe work environment. This includes:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause harm.
• Offering training, safety programs, and protective equipment at no cost to employees.
• Maintaining required safety records, including injury logs, training certifications, and hazard assessments.
• Promptly addressing any reported hazards or safety concerns.
• Making all safety policies, programs, and procedures accessible to employees.

Your Safety Resource: OpsIntegrity:

Your employer has made it easier than ever to access the safety tools and information you need.

OpsIntegrity, our online safety portal, is your source for many of your company workplace safety resources, including:

Emergency Response Resources
Safety Policies & Procedures
Training Modules and Certifications
Permitting Tools (e.g., confined space, excavation, hot work)
Forms for Incident Reporting, Hazard Assessments, and more
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
All safety records, including your completed training and any permits you are involved with, are securely maintained and available for review via the process established between your employer and OpsIntegrity.

Your Next Steps:

Log into OpsIntegrity and review the available resources. Take time to become familiar with emergency response plans, permitting requirements, and safety forms.
Complete any assigned safety training immediately and keep certifications current.
Understand how to access safety forms, request permits, and report incidents through the OpsIntegrity platform.
Ask questions! If you are unsure about any policy, task, or safety process, your supervisor and the safety team are ready to assist.
Commitment to Safety:

By working together, employees and employers can reduce injuries, protect health, and ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. Your awareness and active participation are critical to creating a safe and efficient workplace.

Welcome aboard, and thank you for making safety your top priority from day one!

Our Most Important Objective: A Safe and Healthful Workplace

At OpsIntegrity, we believe that maintaining a safe and healthful workplace is the highest priority for every employer and employee. This principle forms the foundation of all training modules and safety resources provided through the OpsIntegrity system.

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Complying with OSHA standards and other applicable safety regulations.
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Employees are responsible for:

• Following safety procedures and practices at all times.
• Reporting safety concerns, hazards, or near misses.
• Actively supporting the safety culture of their workplace.

Through OpsIntegrity’s shared resources, training, and compliance tools, employers and employees work together to identify risks, prevent injuries, and maintain a strong commitment to safety excellence.

Safety is not just a policy. It is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.

Your OSHA Rights and Responsibilities:

Your OSHA Rights:

• Work in conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm
• Receive information and training on hazards
• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• File a complaint to OSHA without fear of retaliation 

Your Responsibilities:

• Follow the safety rules and procedures of your employer
• Report unsafe conditions immediately
• Use required protective equipment

Emergency Action Plans (EAP):

While each workplace should have its own Emergency Action Plan, general EAP components include:

• Evacuation routes and procedures
• Designated assembly points
• Methods for reporting emergencies
• Emergency contact information

Your Company:

The OpsIntegrity Online Safety Support Center includes an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Builder that allows your employer to create a customized EAP for your company and each separate facility. Once completed, the EAP should be posted and easily accessible at each facility. A digital copy will also be available through your OpsIntegrity Safety Dashboard under the Emergencies tab.

Fire Prevention and Response Awareness

Fires can occur in any workplace, and preventing them is everyone’s responsibility. Even small fires can lead to injuries, property damage, or disruption of business operations. A basic understanding of fire safety helps protect workers, property, and the environment.

Key Fire Safety Practices

• Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean and organized. Remove combustible waste, such as paper, packaging, rags, or chemicals, from work areas regularly to reduce fuel sources.
• Proper Storage: Store flammable liquids and chemicals only in designated containers and storage cabinets approved for those materials. Never block access to fire extinguishers or fire exits.
• Know Your Equipment: Be familiar with the location and type of fire extinguishers in your work area, and know where fire alarms and pull stations are located.
• Evacuation Routes: Learn your workplace evacuation procedures, including primary and secondary exits and designated assembly points. Participate in fire drills to stay prepared.
• Electrical Safety: Do not overload outlets or use damaged cords, as electrical issues are a common cause of workplace fires.

Reporting Hazards and Responding to Fires

• Report Hazards Immediately: If you see frayed wiring, blocked exits, malfunctioning fire protection equipment, or other fire risks, report them immediately to your supervisor or safety contact.
• When You Hear the Alarm: Stop work immediately and evacuate using the nearest safe route. Do not stop to collect personal items. Close doors behind you to help contain smoke and flames.
• Use of Fire Extinguishers: Only use fire extinguishers if you are trained and it is safe to do so. If a fire is beyond your ability to control safely, evacuate immediately and allow trained responders to handle it.

Your Role

Your employer provides fire prevention measures, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and emergency response plans. Your role is to:

• Stay aware of fire hazards.
• Follow basic fire prevention practices.
• Participate in training and fire drills.
• Report hazards promptly to reduce risks.

By staying alert and prepared, you help prevent fires and ensure a safer workplace for everyone.

Injury and Illness Reporting Awareness

Reporting injuries, illnesses, and near-miss events promptly is critical to maintaining a safe workplace and preventing future incidents. Every employee plays a role in ensuring accurate and timely reporting.

Why Reporting Matters

• Early Medical Care: Prompt reporting ensures injured workers receive the care they need as quickly as possible.
• Hazard Identification: Reporting even minor incidents or near misses helps identify potential hazards before they result in serious injuries.
• Regulatory Compliance: Employers are required by OSHA to document and track workplace injuries and illnesses, and your reports support this compliance.

General Reporting Expectations

• Immediate Notification: All injuries, illnesses, and near-miss incidents should be reported immediately to your supervisor or designated safety contact.
• Employer Procedures: While reporting procedures may vary by employer, the basic steps include notifying your supervisor, seeking medical attention if needed, and completing an incident report form.
• No Retaliation: Employees have the right to report injuries and hazards without fear of retaliation or discrimination.

OpsIntegrity (OI) Reporting Tool

The OpsIntegrity Safety Portal includes an electronic incident report form accessible under the Procedures tab. This tool allows workers to quickly and securely report:

• Workplace injuries and illnesses
• Near-miss events
• Property damage or unsafe conditions

The OpsIntegrity incident reporting function is designed to meet OSHA compliance requirements and provide a clear, documented record of each event. All submitted reports are stored securely within the OI system, ensuring both immediate notification to employer representatives and long-term record retention.

Your Role

Know how to access the OpsIntegrity reporting tool and use it when needed.
Provide accurate, detailed information when completing a report.
Follow up with your supervisor if you are unsure of any step in the reporting process.

Timely and accurate reporting helps protect workers, supports continuous improvement in workplace safety, and ensures proper care and follow-up for injured employees.

Workplace Violence Awareness

A safe workplace is one where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. This includes verbal or physical assaults, threatening behavior, bullying, and any behavior that creates fear or a hostile environment.

Workplace Violence Program

The Workplace Violence Program can be accessed in the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal under the Procedures tab. This program provides guidance on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to acts of violence in the workplace.

Key Expectations

• Zero Tolerance: Violence, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are strictly prohibited in all workplaces.
• Reporting: Workers must immediately report any threats, violent acts, harassment, or suspicious behavior to a supervisor or designated safety contact.
• Employer Protocols: Many workplaces have established security measures, emergency response procedures, and employee assistance programs to support workers and address workplace violence concerns quickly and effectively.

Your Role

Every worker plays a role in maintaining a respectful and safe work environment. This means:

• Treating coworkers, supervisors, visitors, and contractors with respect.
• Staying aware of your surroundings and potential warning signs of aggression or unsafe behavior.
• Following company policies on access control, visitor management, and security awareness.

Take Action

• Know how to report workplace violence incidents and who to contact in an emergency.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened, remove yourself from the situation if possible and alert others immediately.
• Never ignore threats, intimidation, or harassment—even if it seems minor—because early reporting helps prevent escalation.

Maintaining a safe workplace is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting a culture of respect, workers can help prevent workplace violence and ensure a safer, healthier environment for everyone.

Hazard Communication (HazCom / GHS) Awareness

The purpose of the Hazard Communication (HazCom) program is to ensure that workers are aware of the chemicals they may encounter in the workplace and understand how to handle them safely. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which provides consistent labeling, safety information, and training requirements.

Core Requirements of Hazard Communication

Labeling: All hazardous chemicals must be labeled according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Labels include signal words (such as Danger or Warning), hazard statements, precautionary statements, product identifiers, and supplier information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Every hazardous chemical must have an accessible SDS, which provides detailed information about the chemical’s hazards, safe handling, storage, emergency response, and disposal requirements.
Training: Workers must be trained to recognize hazardous chemicals in their workplace, understand how to read and interpret labels and SDSs, and know how to safely handle, store, and dispose of these chemicals.
GHS Pictograms and Symbols: Understanding GHS hazard symbols is essential for quickly identifying chemical hazards, including flammable, toxic, corrosive, and environmentally hazardous substances.

OpsIntegrity (OI) SDS Library and Tools

The OpsIntegrity Safety Portal offers an extensive SDS library available to all subscribers, providing quick access to thousands of chemical Safety Data Sheets.

Comprehensive Access: Workers can search the existing SDS library to quickly find information on chemicals commonly used in their industry.
Custom Additions: If an SDS is not present in the library, the OI system allows employers to upload or add SDS documents specific to their operations, ensuring complete coverage for all hazardous materials present on-site.
Easy Access: SDSs and HazCom program materials are accessible under the SDS tab of the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal, providing workers with immediate access to critical chemical safety information at any time.

Your Role in Hazard Communication

• Review and understand the HazCom program available in your workplace.
• Learn how to access and use the OpsIntegrity SDS library and locate SDSs for all hazardous chemicals you may handle.
• Follow all procedures for safe chemical handling, use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and immediately report damaged labels or missing SDSs.
• Participate in required chemical safety training and ask questions if anything is unclear.

By following these practices and using the tools provided through OpsIntegrity, workers can minimize chemical-related risks, improve hazard awareness, and maintain compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard.

Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Why PPE is Important
Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. Despite engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices, some hazards cannot be completely eliminated. In these cases, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as the last line of defense against injury and illness.

PPE reduces the risk of injuries such as cuts, burns, eye injuries, hearing loss, chemical exposure, and even fatalities. However, PPE is only effective when it is properly selected, correctly fitted, worn consistently, and maintained in good condition.

Employer Responsibilities Regarding PPE

Hazard Assessment: Employers must assess the workplace to determine what hazards are present and what PPE is necessary for each job task.
Provision of PPE: Employers must provide PPE at no cost to workers when required by OSHA regulations.
Training: Employers must ensure that all employees are trained on proper PPE selection, use, limitations, and care.
Replacement: Employers must replace defective or damaged PPE immediately and ensure that all PPE meets OSHA and ANSI standards.

Employee Responsibilities Regarding PPE

Correct Usage: Workers must wear PPE whenever required and use it only for its intended purpose.
Inspection Before Use: All PPE must be inspected before each use to check for damage, defects, or contamination.
Reporting Issues: Any damaged, worn-out, or defective PPE must be reported immediately to a supervisor and replaced before resuming work.
Care and Maintenance: PPE should be cleaned, stored properly, and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
Fit and Comfort: Workers must notify their supervisor if PPE does not fit correctly or causes discomfort that could compromise safety.

Types of PPE and Their Applications

1. Head Protection (Hard Hats)

Protects against falling objects, overhead hazards, and accidental head bumps.
Required in areas with crane operations, elevated work, or potential falling debris.
Inspect daily for cracks, dents, or UV damage.

2. Eye and Face Protection (Safety Glasses, Goggles, Face Shields)

Shields eyes from flying particles, chemical splashes, dust, and harmful light radiation.
Safety glasses with side shields are common for general work; goggles are used for chemical handling or dusty environments.
Face shields are often worn with safety glasses when grinding or cutting.

3. Hearing Protection (Earplugs and Earmuffs)

Required in areas where noise exceeds 85 decibels over an 8-hour workday.
Earplugs must be inserted properly to ensure full protection; earmuffs must fully cover the ears.
Hearing conservation programs and periodic audiometric testing may apply.

4. Hand Protection (Gloves)

Protects against cuts, punctures, abrasions, burns, and chemical exposure.
Types of gloves include cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, electrical insulating, and general-purpose.
Gloves must be chosen based on the specific hazard (e.g., nitrile gloves for chemical exposure, Kevlar for sharp materials).

5. Foot Protection (Steel-Toe or Composite-Toe Boots)

Prevents injury from falling objects, punctures, and slips.
Required in most industrial and construction environments.
Soles should provide traction suitable for site conditions.

6. Respiratory Protection (Dust Masks and Respirators)

Used when airborne hazards such as dust, fumes, vapors, or gases are present.
Respirators require medical clearance, fit testing, and additional training under OSHA 1910.134.
Workers must not use respirators with facial hair that interferes with the seal.

7. High-Visibility Clothing and Body Protection

• High-visibility vests or jackets are required in roadway, warehouse, or heavy equipment environments.
• Aprons or full-body suits may be needed for chemical, hot work, or biological hazard areas.
• Flame-resistant (FR) clothing may be required for welding or electrical arc flash protection.

Key PPE Principles

• PPE is the last line of defense, not a substitute for safe work practices.
• Always check signage or site instructions for specific PPE requirements.
• Ensure PPE fits properly and does not interfere with job performance.
• Replace damaged or defective PPE immediately—never compromise your safety.
• Properly clean and store PPE to prevent contamination or deterioration.

Quick-Reference PPE Assessment Checklist

Purpose:
To help workers quickly identify common hazards and confirm the appropriate PPE needed before performing any task.

Step 1: Identify the Task:
Select the type of work you will be performing and note associated hazards.

Step 2: Confirm PPE Condition

Inspect all PPE for damage or defects before use.
Replace or report damaged PPE immediately.
Ensure PPE is properly fitted and adjusted.

Step 3: Document and Verify

Confirm PPE compliance before starting work.
Notify your supervisor of any additional hazards not listed in this matrix.

First Aid & CPR Awareness:

• First aid supplies must be readily available at all worksites. Workers should know the location of first aid kits and understand how to access additional medical assistance if needed.
• Basic first aid procedures should be followed for minor injuries. For serious injuries, immediately contact emergency services and notify a supervisor or designated safety contact.
• Only trained personnel should administer first aid beyond minor care unless it is necessary to prevent further harm while waiting for emergency responders.
• Timely reporting of all injuries, no matter how minor, is required to ensure proper care and documentation.

Multi-Employer Worksite Considerations
Many worksites involve multiple employers and contractors working together. OSHA holds all employers responsible for ensuring safety.

All employers must coordinate to ensure safe walking-working surfaces
Primary contractors, subcontractors, and host employers must communicate and coordinate efforts to maintain safe walking-working surfaces throughout the worksite.

Prime contractors and host employers often have additional oversight responsibilities
The controlling employer usually has the responsibility to correct hazards or ensure that they are corrected by the responsible party. However, all employers are responsible for the safety of their own employees.

Employees should report any safety concerns immediately, regardless of which employer’s area the hazard is found in
Workers must not hesitate to report unsafe conditions even if they are outside their immediate employer’s responsibility. All hazards must be addressed promptly for the safety of everyone on site.

Reporting and Resources
Prompt reporting and access to safety resources are key to preventing injuries.

Report unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor or designated safety contact
All employees should know who to contact when they observe a hazard or unsafe condition. Timely reporting can prevent accidents.

Utilize the OpsIntegrity Safety Portal to access safety procedures, hazard reporting tools, and training materials
The OpsIntegrity online safety portal provides centralized access to safety policies, procedures, and forms. Employees should familiarize themselves with the portal’s features and know how to use them.

Keep records of any reported hazards or incidents as required by your employer’s policies and OSHA standards
Proper documentation of hazards, corrective actions, and training is essential for compliance and for improving workplace safety over time.