Typical Assignment on Occupational Safety and Health

Assignment 1

Research an OSHA standard or consensus safety standard of your choice;  e.g.  OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (1910.147) or ANSI Z535 on Warnings.

Summarize the standard in 1 to 2 pages.

Keys to success

1. Make the summary understandable for management personnel that might not be familiar with the topic at all.
2. Start with an explanation of why this topic is important.
3. Do not just cut-and-paste.  Take some time to understand the requirements and translate them into clear, concise language.
4. Look out for ‘shall’ language in OSHA regulations.   Where OSHA says ‘the employer shall…’ is key information that needs to be part of your summary of requirements.
5. Make good use of OSHA resources for small businesses.  OSHA does a good job making things clear in these resources:  https://www.osha.gov/smallbusiness(Links to an external site.)

Grading:

A/B range:

You explained things well – concisely and clearly.  You were thorough and it was clear that you did not just cut-and-paste but rather put things into your own language where appropriate.  Where I asked you to explain things you have solid reasoning.

C Range

You cut-and-paste several things, but got the assignment in on time and put some effort into it.

D Range

You just cut-and-paste your answers and made a minimal amount of effort.  But hey, at least you passed!