What is a variance in workplace safety regulations?

A variance in workplace safety regulations refers to an employer's temporary or permanent authorization to use an alternative, equally effective method to control a hazard. This means that while the employer is not following the standard prescribed by safety regulations, they have demonstrated that their alternative method can achieve the same level of safety for employees. This is important because it allows for flexibility in meeting safety standards while ensuring that worker safety is not compromised.

This process encourages innovation and customized solutions tailored to specific workplace conditions, which can be more effective in certain scenarios than the standard regulations. Employers who seek a variance must typically apply to the relevant regulatory body, demonstrating that the alternative measures in place are as protective as those required by the original safety regulations.