5 OSHA Regulations That Affect Your Funeral Home

Every business has an obligation to provide their employees with a safe work environment, but funeral homes have unique requirements that come alongside the services that they perform. While there are not specific OSHA regulations targeted at funeral homes, there are many different regulations that apply to them. Here are some of the OSHA regulations that directly impact your funeral home.

5 OSHA Regulations That Affect Your Funeral Home

1. Right-to-Know Law: These OSHA regulations regard the right that employees have to understand the chemical hazards they are being exposed to in the workplace. Information regarding these hazards needs to be communicated to employees in multiple forms, including labeling containers that are hazardous, posting safety data sheets and properly training employees.
2. Bloodborne Pathogens Regulations: The regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens are applicable to all employees who can anticipate coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids while they work. These OSHA regulations apply to anyone who makes contact with mucous membranes, skin, eyes or other parts of the body. You must have a written Exposure Control Plan that outlines how you will protect employees against the transmission of pathogens when coming into contact with blood and mucous membranes.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) OSHA Regulations: Even when there is not a global pandemic, funeral homes have strict PPE standards that must be followed. Employers must assess the workplace to determine what hazards are present and provide employees with the proper protective equipment. Employees must have access to PPE that fits them well. Your funeral home must also document hazard assessment.
4. Respiratory Protection Program: These OSHA regulations are similar to PPE regulations in that they require providing a respiratory protection plan to employees who may be exposed to airborne contaminants. You must identify what contaminants are present and measure them to determine if levels exceed permissible exposure limits outlined by OSHA. If levels are above the permissible limits, respirators, ventilation systems and other respiratory solutions must be provided.
5. Formaldehyde and Glutaraldehyde: These hazardous materials are both used in funeral homes, and you must follow all formaldehyde regulations outlined in the OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.1048. You must monitor employees for exposure and monitor the workplace to see what levels are present.

Protect Your Funeral Home Business with MKS&H

MKS&H provides tax and accounting services to businesses of every size and in every industry. Our team can help your business gain confidence in your important accounting reports and make better, more educated financial decisions. Contact us today for a consultation.