23 Aug Common OSHA Violations in Church Facilities
We all know churches are places of worship and community gathering. What is often overlooked, however, is that the church-owned property used to meet in is considered a commercial property. This means that many of the building regulations that you have to adhere to when constructing your facility are related to commercial building and life-safety codes.
Did you also know that, with some very narrow exceptions, you are also subject to the same Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards as any other workplace? If you are like me, you enjoy having references, so, here are some relevant parts of the Williams-Steiger Act:
1975.4(b)(4) … Therefore, any charitable or non-profit organization which employs one or more employees is covered under the Williams-Steiger Act and is required to comply with its provisions and the regulations issued thereunder. … and 1975.4(c), 1975.4(c)(1), and 1975.4(c)(2).
One specific activity is excluded from being under the Act, and that is when clergy is performing religious services. However, no matter how impactful the sermon visual could be, we encourage paying attention to and being as safe as possible.
Church leadership should know the potential violations to maintain a safe environment for employees, volunteers, and members. It is not just a matter of knowing potential fines; we are legally obligated to follow these safe practices. If we cannot be trusted to set an example and obey the rules (that do not explicitly try and forbid us from the freedom to practice our faith) to our community, how can they trust us when we tell them they should follow the standards of our faith?
We also need to remember that while some OSHA rules are not perfect (how could they be, they are administered by man), many of the guidelines come from a place of “somebody died doing this and it could have been avoided”. Therefore, in the paragraphs below, we will review some common OSHA violations that churches should be aware of.
Hazard Communication
Do you clean your facility? Do you use products to make the air smell better? Do you have water? All of these fall under Hazard Communication, or you might hear it as HazCom Safety Data Sheets (SDS), ongoing training, records, access to certain medical procedures (Hepatitis vaccine), requirements for properly labeling of a secondary chemical container (think spray bottle), and a myriad of other record-keeping requirements are covered under Hazcom.
This impacts anyone who uses a potentially hazardous material (which water has an SDS), could come in contact with bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials, or uses a product with an SDS. This could affect teachers, volunteers, custodians, maintenance team, staff, etc.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are common OSHA violations in churches. Improperly grounded outlets, exposed wiring, overloaded circuits—all of these fall under this category. We see several issues in youth rooms and on the main worship center platform. Many times these spaces are remodeled to meet new directions, which the original wiring was not designed to handle.
Therefore, ensuring that all electrical equipment is properly maintained and inspected regularly, and that all new remodels are vetted by a qualified electrician, is extremely important in keeping those in a church facility safe.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are not just common in hospitality work environments. Accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries, even in church facilities. Loose flooring, inadequate lighting, and unsecured cables should all be addressed to prevent falling and other accidents. We recommend regularly inspecting your facility to promptly address any potential hazards.
Ladder Safety
Churches may use ladders for tasks such as changing light bulbs or reaching high places. OSHA has specific guidelines for the safe use of ladders, including proper placement, weight capacity, and stability. It is important to train employees and volunteers, such as AV technicians, janitorial staff, facility managers, and others who may use ladders. There is also a requirement for the annual inspecting of equipment, along with the expectation that the equipment is inspected prior to use.
If you are allowing anything less than a Type II treated ladder to be in your facility, you may want to rethink your position on ladder usage. Keep in mind as well that the rating of a ladder is for the person and material combined.
Emergency Preparedness
What if someone gets ill during a church service or you have a medical emergency? Or if there is a fire in your building? Maybe a tornado is approaching? The truth is that accidents do happen. Therefore, churches should have an emergency preparedness plan that includes evacuation procedures, fire safety, and severe weather. Employees and volunteers should be trained on these procedures, and regular drills should be conducted. Part of emergency preparedness includes following the proper testing and verification schedules for certain items in your facility.
While many understand that portable fire extinguishers require annual certification by a licensed contractor, are you aware there is a monthly inspection required? That inspection can be done in-house. How about the monthly and annual testing protocols for emergency exit lights and signs? How often are you checking all egress routes for items blocking access or for items stored where they shouldn’t be?
If you do not have a plan in place, don’t worry. In the last year, we created a free guide that will help you develop a plan that is unique to your church.
Fire Safety
Failure to maintain and test fire extinguishers, blocked exits, inadequate evacuation plans, and improper storage of flammable materials can all lead to fire hazards and potential violations.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Inadequate provision and training of necessary PPE such as gloves, eye protection, or respiratory protection for tasks that may expose workers to hazards.
Structural Integrity
Poorly maintained buildings, roofs, and other structures that could collapse or pose a danger to occupants and workers.
Noise Exposure
If the church uses loud music or equipment, failure to implement measures to protect workers and congregation members from excessive noise levels could lead to violations.
Manual Lifting and Ergonomics
Inadequate training and equipment for lifting heavy objects, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Failure to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices, especially during events involving food preparation and distribution.
We could keep going, but I think you can see how important this is.
Conclusion – Address OSHA Violations
Maintaining a safe environment for employees, volunteers, and congregants is essential for any workplace, including churches. Understanding and addressing common OSHA violations can help prevent injuries and protect you from potential legal and financial consequences. By proactively addressing safety hazards, churches can continue to serve their communities while ensuring a safe and secure environment.
Original content by the XPastor. This information is provided with the understanding that Payroll Partners is not rendering legal, human resources, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from a lawyer, HR consultant or other professional.