AQC Environmental Engineers

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SERVICES

OSHA Safety

Employee safety is a priority in any business, and AQC Environmental Engineers has helped our clients achieve and maintain compliance with California-specific health and safety regulations and site procedures. Our professionals are experienced in assisting facilities of all sizes in developing scalable and sustainable health and safety programs, procedures, and best practices that meet the regulatory compliance criteria established in the workplace by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).

AQC Environmental Engineers provides on-site occupational safety and health evaluations, recommendations for corrective actions, comprehensive health and safety program review, and training content and support for mandatory health and safety training required in the state of California. We also provide consultation and support to clients that have received Cal/OSHA citations and penalties, and we have assisted clients to navigate negotiations that will determine fines and abatement plans ordered by Cal/OSHA.

AQC Environmental Engineers services include the following assistance with California Code of Regulations (CCR) requirements:

  • Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) per Title 8 CCR Section 3203
  • Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Development and Implementation per Title 8 CCR Section 3202
  • Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)/Safety Data Sheet (SDS) System Support per Title 8 CCR Section 5194
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plans per Title 8 CCR Section 5193
  • Respiratory Protection Program per Title 8 CCR Section 5144
  • Workplace Violence Prevention (currently this applies to Health Care Only) per Title 8 CCR Section 5097
  • Ergonomic Evaluations and Recommendations per Title 8 CCR Section 5110
  • Hearing Conservation Programs per Title 8 CCR Section 5097
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Surveys and Hazard Assessments per Title 8 CCR Section 3380
  • Cal/OSHA 300 Injury Log/Occupational Injury and Illness Recordkeeping per Title 8 CCR Section 14300

OSHA and Cal/OSHA Compliance Assistance

  • Program Identification, Development, Implementation, Review, and Training
  • Job Hazard Analysis: Identification, Evaluation, and Control of Potential Job-related Risk Factors
  • Site Safety Evaluations and Gap Assessments
  • Hazard Abatement Certification Documentation
  • Assist with Responding to Cal/OSHA Citations, Penalties, and Required Abatement Plans
  • On-site Inspection Management

OSHA Inspection and Auditing Support

  • OSHA Auditing and Inspection Management
  • Assistance Responding To Citations
  • Hazard Abatement Certification Documentation

Recordkeeping

  • Recordkeeping Requirements and Compliance
  • Records Management

Reporting

  • Workplace Injury and Illness Records Posting Process (February-April deadline)
  • Injury Tracking Application (ITA)/Form 300A (March 2nd deadline)

Recognized Hazards and Controls

AQC can help manage any industrial hazard using the necessary and applicable control methods.

Hazards
  • Air Contaminants: include dusts, fumes, mists and aerosols, fibers, and gases that may be toxic, cause discomfort, or pose other health risks.
  • Chemical Hazards: any chemical compound existing as a liquid, solid, or gas that is harmful or irritating upon exposure, either through inhalation, absorption through the skin, or ingestion.
  • Biological Hazards: living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can cause illness or infections; these hazards are typically present in laboratory, food processing, or hospital settings.
  • Physical Hazards: dangerous machinery and exposure to excessive levels of electromagnetic radiation, noise, vibration, illumination, or temperature.
  • Ergonomic Hazards: lifting, holding, pushing, walking, or reaching, among other tasks, especially when carried out in repetition, which may cause physical issues like tendon or muscle strains.  
Controls
  • Engineering: establish a system to reduce/remove the hazard or isolate the worker from the hazard.
  • Work practice: establish operational procedures or protocols that minimize risk.
  • Administrative: minimize exposure to hazards through appropriate scheduling of production and tasks or the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mandatory Employee Training

AQC Environmental Engineers expert staff provides site-specific training programs designed to meet regulatory requirements and instruct facility employees in routine compliance. Training materials are based on years of experience and custom tailored to the specific hazards and practices at your facility. These training topics can include:

  • IIPP
  • EAP Implementation
  • HAZCOM/SDS System Support
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plans
  • Respiratory Protection training
  • Workplace Violence Prevention (currently applies to Health Care Only)
  • Workplace Ergonomics
  • Hearing Conservation
  • Incident Investigation
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
 

OSHA Safety Regulations – Background

Occupational Safety has its regulatory origins with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970). This federal labor law requires that employees in both the private sector and federal government are provided with a hazard-free working environment by their employers. The Act established OSHA, an agency of the Department of Labor that sets and enforces standards for health and safety in the workplace. In addition, OSHA can issue Standard Interpretation letters in response to public or field office inquiries clarifying the standards and how they will be enforced. OSHA standards cover general industrial activity, with some rules applicable specifically to businesses in construction, maritime, and agriculture. Some key hazards regulated by OSHA include toxic chemicals, harmful biological agents, and hazardous machinery. Among the employer responsibilities cited by OSHA are those requiring employers to:

  • Thoroughly examine the workplace for hazardous conditions;
  • Give proper notice to employees of potential hazards, such as using color codes or labels;
  • Mitigate potential dangers through employee training, provision of safety equipment, etc.;
  • Correct cited violations by a set deadline and submit required abatement verification documents; and
  • Keep records of and report workplace-related employee injury, illness, or death.