As the warmer months approach, many workplaces see more outdoor work, higher physical demands, and increased inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
For employers in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing, this is a time when workplace safety risks often increase. Preparing early can help you protect your workers and follow OSHA compliance.
Key OSHA Requirements Employers Should Review
Use this checklist to review key OSHA requirements and make sure your workplace is ready before summer begins.
1. Keep the Injury Summary Posted Until April 30
Most employers must post the OSHA Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses starting February 1. The form must stay posted until April 30 in a place where workers can easily see it.¹
The OSHA 300A form shows how many workplace injuries and illnesses occurred during the previous year. It includes incidents such as:
- Death
- Loss of consciousness
- Days away from work
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
Posting this summary helps workers stay informed about safety in the workplace.
2. Prepare for Heat and Outdoor Work
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on workplace heat hazards has been extended through April 8, 2026. The program focuses on inspecting workplaces where employees may face heat risks.2
Because temperatures often begin rising in late spring, consider reviewing your heat illness prevention plans.
Helpful steps include:
- Providing drinking water and shade
- Allowing regular rest breaks
- Training workers to recognize signs of heat illness
- Adjusting work schedules during extreme heat when possible
- These steps can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness or injury.
3. Provide Safety Training or Refresher Courses
Employers should also make sure workers receive training on the hazards they may face on the job.
Common training topics include:
- Fall protection
- Machine safety
- Chemical safety
- Electrical hazards
Training should be easy for workers to understand and properly documented.
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Read Next: The New Safety Standards Every Warehouse Should Know Before Peak Season
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4. Inspect the Workplace for Hazards
Regular workplace inspections help identify safety problems before they cause injuries.
During inspections, check for:
- Broken or damaged equipment
- Tripping hazards
- Missing machine guards
- Blocked fire exits
- Poor ventilation
- Unsafe chemical storage
Any hazards found should be corrected as soon as possible.
5. Review and Update Safety Programs
Employers must keep their written safety programs accurate and up to date. When equipment, work conditions, or hazards change, safety plans should be updated as well.
Important safety programs may include:
- Emergency Action Plans
- Hazard Communication Plans (chemical safety)
- Lockout/Tagout procedures for machine shutdown
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programs
Keeping these programs current helps protect workers from recognized hazards.
Why OSHA Compliance Matters for Your Workforce
OSHA compliance is about more than meeting regulations. It plays a direct role in protecting workers and reducing business risk.
OSHA Rules Apply to All Workers
Temporary and contingent workers have the same safety protections as full-time employees. OSHA does not treat injuries differently based on employment status.
Every worker on your job site must be protected under the same safety standards.
Every Worker Needs Proper Training
Full-time employees may already know safety procedures, but contingent workers may rotate in more often and may not know site-specific hazards.
Be sure that every worker receives safety training before starting work.
Contingent Workers Often Fill High-Risk Roles
Temporary workers are commonly placed in roles within:
- Warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
These environments often involve physical labor and equipment operation. Because of this, safety practices like inspections, proper protective gear, and heat protection are especially important.
Employers and Staffing Agencies Share Safety Responsibility
When staffing agencies place workers at a job site, both the employer and the agency share responsibility for safety.
The employer manages the workplace and daily operations. The staffing partner helps make sure workers arrive prepared, informed, and ready to follow safety rules.
Best Practices for Building an OSHA-Compliant Workforce
Here are several steps you can take to strengthen safety and maintain OSHA compliance.
1. Include Safety in Hiring and Onboarding
Safety should begin before workers start their first shift. New hires should receive safety training right away and learn about hazards specific to their job. Clear expectations early can help prevent accidents.
2. Build a Strong Safety Culture
Managers and supervisors play an important role in workplace safety. Leaders should follow safety rules, respond quickly to hazards, and encourage workers to speak up about concerns.
Simple actions such as daily safety checks and recognizing safe behavior can make a big difference.
3. Keep Safety Communication Clear
Workers should always know where to find safety policies and how to report hazards.
You can encourage communication by:
- Posting safety rules in visible areas
- Holding short safety meetings or team huddles
- Encouraging workers to report concerns right away
Clear communication helps prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.
4. Work With Staffing Partners That Prioritize Safety
When working with staffing agencies, be sure to choose partners that understand workplace hazards and OSHA requirements.
Staffing partners should provide workers who are trained, prepared, and ready to follow safety standards from their first day.
Partner With a Staffing Agency That Prioritizes Safety
OSHA compliance starts before a worker ever steps onto your job site. Spectra360 builds safety awareness into every stage of hiring and onboarding to help support safe workplaces.
If you’re looking for a staffing partner that prioritizes worker safety and OSHA compliance, connect with our team today.
References
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. ]Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. U.S. Department of Labor, www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/OSHA-RK-Forms-Package.pdf. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
- Stanton, Janell M., and Karl F. Kumli. “OSHA Extends Heat Hazard Program: Employers Should Act Before Summer Sets In.” Jackson Lewis, 1 May 2025, www.jacksonlewis.com/insights/osha-extends-heat-hazard-program-employers-should-act-summer-sets.
