Preparing for a Compliant New Year
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to conduct a thorough review of your safety program. A comprehensive year-end audit ensures you're meeting all regulatory requirements and positions your organization for success in the coming year.
Why Year-End Compliance Matters
Many organizations discover compliance gaps during OSHA inspections—the worst possible time. A proactive year-end review allows you to:
Identify and correct deficiencies before they result in citationsUpdate programs for regulatory changes effective in the new yearEnsure training requirements are currentReview incident trends and adjust prevention strategiesBudget for necessary safety improvementsDocumentation Review Checklist
Training Records
Verify documentation is complete for:
OSHA-required training (hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, lockout/tagout, etc.)Job-specific safety trainingEquipment operation certifications (forklifts, aerial lifts, cranes)Emergency response trainingNew employee orientation recordsCheck for:
Training dates and content coveredTrainer qualificationsEmployee signatures or acknowledgmentsRefresher training completed on scheduleInspection and Maintenance Records
Review documentation for:
Fire extinguisher monthly inspections and annual maintenanceEmergency lighting and exit sign testingFire alarm system inspectionsSprinkler system inspectionsEyewash and safety shower weekly inspectionsCrane and hoist annual inspectionsPressure vessel certificationsElectrical equipment testingInjury and Illness Records
Prepare for OSHA 300 Log posting:
Review all recordable injuries for accuracyCalculate incidence ratesPrepare OSHA 300A Summary (post February 1 - April 30)Verify all required information is documentedElectronic submission requirements if applicable (deadline March 2)Program Review Checklist
Written Safety Programs
Review and update:
Hazard Communication Program and chemical inventoryRespiratory Protection ProgramLockout/Tagout ProgramConfined Space Entry ProgramEmergency Action PlanFire Prevention PlanBloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control PlanPersonal Protective Equipment Hazard AssessmentHearing Conservation ProgramFor each program, verify:
Annual review completed and documentedContact information is currentProcedures reflect actual practicesChanges in operations are addressedSafety Data Sheets
Audit your SDS library:
All chemicals have current SDS (within 3 years typically)SDS are readily accessible to employeesElectronic systems are functional and backed upNew chemicals have been addedObsolete chemicals have been removedEquipment and Facility Checklist
Fire Protection Systems
[ ] Fire extinguishers inspected and serviced[ ] Sprinkler system inspected per NFPA 25[ ] Fire alarm system tested and certified[ ] Emergency exits clear and functional[ ] Exit signs illuminated and visible[ ] Fire doors self-closing and latchingElectrical Safety
[ ] Electrical panels have 36-inch clearance[ ] No damaged cords or plugs[ ] GFCIs tested and functional[ ] Temporary wiring removed[ ] Junction box covers in placeMachine Guarding
[ ] All guards in place and secure[ ] Emergency stops functional[ ] Lockout devices available for all energy sources[ ] Guarding not creating new hazardsFall Protection
[ ] Guardrails intact and secure[ ] Floor openings covered or guarded[ ] Personal fall arrest systems inspected[ ] Ladders in good condition[ ] Scaffold inspections currentRegulatory Updates for 2026
Stay ahead of regulatory changes:
Federal OSHA:
Review OSHA's regulatory agenda for upcoming rulesCheck for updated penalty amounts (adjusted annually)Monitor electronic recordkeeping requirementsWatch for updates to silica, beryllium, or other substance standardsState Plan States:
Verify state-specific requirementsCheck for state regulations that exceed federal standardsMonitor state-specific reporting requirementsTraining Planning for the New Year
Annual Training Requirements
Schedule these for early in the year:
Hazard Communication refresherEmergency Action Plan reviewFire extinguisher training (if employees fight fires)Forklift operator evaluations (every 3 years)Bloodborne pathogen refresherRespiratory protection refresher and fit testingNew Training Needs
Assess for:
New equipment or processesNew chemical hazardsIncident trends indicating training gapsRegulatory changes requiring new trainingNew employees needing orientationIncident Analysis
Review the year's incidents:
**Identify trends** - What types of injuries occurred most frequently?**Find root causes** - Were there common contributing factors?**Evaluate effectiveness** - Did previous corrective actions work?**Set priorities** - What should be the focus for the coming year?Key metrics to calculate:
Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rateLost Time Injury Frequency RateComparison to industry averagesBudget Planning
Allocate resources for:
Required equipment replacements (PPE, fire extinguishers, etc.)Training programsEquipment upgrades to address hazardsConsultant assessmentsNew regulatory requirementsAction Item Tracking
Create a system to track:
Deficiencies identified during the auditCorrective actions assignedTarget completion datesResponsible partiesVerification that corrections are effectiveConclusion
A thorough year-end safety review is one of the best investments you can make. It ensures compliance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and sets the stage for a safer, more successful year ahead.
Critical Dynamics offers comprehensive year-end safety audits and compliance reviews. Contact us to ensure your organization enters 2026 fully prepared and compliant.