Working Safely with Electricity

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Electricity is a common workplace hazard but also one that can be dangerous and deadly. When improperly maintained or used, electrical equipment can cause burn or shock injuries. Anyone working around electricity must have specialized training and follow specific safety-related practices. Here are some tips for working safely with electricity. 

1. Ensure Safe Use of Electrical Equipment

All employees should properly and safely use all electrical equipment in the workplace. This means not hanging equipment by their electrical cords, pulling plugs from the wall by the cord, stapling cords to the wall, or overstretching cords. Before use, all plugs and cords should be carefully inspected. 

2. Avoid Contact with Live Currents

One of the best ways to stay safe is to keep a reasonable distance away from electrical hazards. Untrained workers should not be near or interact with any electrical currents over 50V. If a worker is in an area with electrical currents higher than this, they should maintain a safe distance.

3. De-Energize Equipment and Use Lockout/Tagout

Live, exposed electrical wires must be de-energized before work near or on them is permitted. The best way to accomplish this is through a strict lockout/tagout policy. This safeguards workers from electrical hazards while performing maintenance and service activities. 

4. Understand Generator Hazards

Generators are commonly used as an alternative power source on job sites. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious risk with gas and diesel generators, which should never be used in confined spaces. Also, the main circuit breaker should be turned “off” on a generator before starting to prevent energizing power lines or equipment. 

5. Use Only Approved and Non-Modified Equipment

Only approved and non-modified cords and equipment should be used in the workplace. For example, frayed extension cords or ones that are not 3-wire types are not considered durable. All equipment should be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

6. Install Proper Physical Barriers Around Hazards

When electrical hazards are present, physical barriers should always be installed to protect workers and innocent bystanders. For example, electrical panels should have closing front doors or shields. There should also be signs in place that warn of electrical hazards and prevent people from entering an unsafe area. 

7. Beware of Conductive Materials and Tools

Employees should always assume that any electrical lines or parts present are live unless told otherwise. Cleaning materials, like water-based cleaners and many solvents, are conductive and require extreme caution. It’s also important to keep conductive tools away from electrical equipment or parts. 

8. Watch Out for Overhead and Buried Power Lines

Overhead and buried power lines are particularly hazardous because they carry very high voltage levels. The main risk is fatal electrocution, followed by falls, burns, and other injuries. Ensure you know where these lines are located before working around them. 

9. Exercise Caution with Flammable Materials

Electricity can lead to a fire or explosion if it comes into contact with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. If you have these types of materials in your workplace, understand how they must be used, stored, and disposed of so they don’t create a safety hazard. 

10. Limit Who Can Work on Live Electrical Wires

As a general rule, if you aren’t trained to do something, err on the side of caution. According to OSHA, only qualified workers should work on live electrical wires or hazardous electrical equipment. If you notice a downed electrical wire, the safest thing to do is to notify a direct superior immediately and avoid approaching the area. 

11. Follow Your Company’s Electrical Safety Rules

Every business should have electrical safety rules that align with OSHA standards for working with electricity. If employees work with live electrical wires, they should receive proper training and have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat, safety glasses, insulated gloves, and proper clothing. 

12. Report Any Electrical Accidents or Injuries Promptly

If the path to electrical equipment is broken or the power supply isn’t grounded, the current could travel through the worker’s body and cause serious injury or death. If you’ve experienced an electrical injury at work, you may have the right to pursue compensation. It’s important that you report your accident to protect your rights. 

What If You’ve Been Injured Working with Electricity?

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury while working near or with electricity, it’s essential to understand that your employer has an obligation to provide a safe workplace protecting you from these types of accidents. Proper training and appropriate electrical safety measures are critical parts of workplace preparedness. To learn more about protecting yourself from workplace electrical hazards and asserting your rights, contact an OSHA Injury Attorney directly. 

OSHA Safe Work Practices

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that is tasked with protecting workers from violations of safety, health, and labor regulations in the workplace. It was created in 1970 and remains a vital part of keeping Americans safe and protecting workers’ rights.

If a workplace accident happens, it’s possible that OSHA could become involved. While most employers comply with OSHA regulations, failure to do so could result in fines and serve as proof of negligence after a worker has been seriously hurt or even killed.

What Does OSHA Do?

OSHA plays several essential roles in keeping workplaces safe for Americans. Some of the functions it performs include:

  • Establishes Safety and Health Standards— One of OSHA’s primary roles is to establish health and safety standards in the workplace that address different industries, work environments, and hazards.
  • Inspects Job Sites— OSHA inspects various job sites that are required to comply with its standards and may penalize those that fail to meet them.
  • Trains Workers and Upholds Safety Standards— The agency develops training programs for employers and workers to improve workplace safety.
  • Investigates Workplace Accidents— OSHA records accidents and may investigate and analyze a workplace accident.
  • Conducts Research— The agency researches trends in workplace safety and health to ensure its regulations remain current and effective.
  • Protects Workers’ Rights— If an employee is injured due to an OSHA violation or is denied certain rights by an employer, the agency can investigate the matter and take action.

OSHA’s General Duty Clause

OSHA has created a variety of regulations that apply to specific industries, such as construction and maritime. But one of the most important parts of OSHA’s regulations is the General Duty clause, which imposes three specific duties on U.S. employers:

  1. Maintain conditions and/or employ practices that are reasonably necessary to protect employees on the job.
  2. Be familiar with the safety standards that are applicable to a specific business or industry.
  3. Regulate and promote employee use of all appropriate safety equipment.

Going beyond the General Duty clause, OSHA has specific regulations and safety standards that involve:

  • Fall Protection
  • Scaffolding
  • Hazard Communication
  • Electrical Wiring
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Ladders
  • Machinery and Machine Guarding
  • Fire Protection

OSHA Safe Work Practices

OSHA regulations apply to all businesses unless they are excluded. Some examples of excluded businesses include churches, governmental bodies, and the self-employed. Employers should follow a set of best practices to maintain OSHA compliance.

  1. Post OSHA Information

The Occupational Safety and Health Act guarantees that workers will be informed about their responsibilities and rights in the workplace. Instead of leaving this up to chance, employers can simply post OSHA’s free workplace posters someplace that is highly visible and accessible.

  1. Train All Staff

Managers and workers alike need training on proper safety practices to avoid accidents and recognize hazards in the workplace. OSHA recommends that all workers receive proper training that covers applicable workplace hazards, using PPE, and what to do after an accident.

  1. Be Proactive

Central to OSHA’s safe work practices is the idea of being proactive. Employers should self-inspect often so that they have a thorough understanding of their work environment. OSHA even provides checklist employers can use to simplify this process.

  1. Prepare for Inspection

Even if you train your staff and are proactive, you should still be prepared for OSHA to show up at your workplace for inspections. These might be random inspections, visits in response to a report, or something that is triggered by an industrial accident.

  1. Prevent and Control Hazards

Employers should both prevent and control any hazards in the workplace. By addressing various risks, an employer may be able to eliminate a hazard. If it can’t be eliminated, it can be minimized so that accidents are less likely.

  1. Communicate Any Hazards

When any workplace hazards do exist that can’t be eliminated, an employer has a duty to inform workers of them. For example, workers have a right to know about hazardous chemicals on a job site or a gaping hole in a walkway.

  1. Report Accidents and Keep Records

If an accident does happen, employers should keep detailed records. When a worker is killed, or three or more workers are hospitalized, OSHA must be informed within eight hours of the incident.

Learn More About OSHA’s Safe Work Practices

OSHA’s standards were developed to protect the health and safety of workers, not to increase costs or make things harder for businesses. Without them, the level of industrial accidents, injuries, and deaths would be even more tragic than they already are.

Most employers in the U.S. are subject to OSHA’s standards, meaning employees have the right to a safe workplace. If you’ve been injured at work and would like more information about OSHA’s safe work practices, OSHA Injury Attorney can help.

Factory Safety – Eye Protection 

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Your vision is something that is easily taken for granted. But, once it’s damaged or lost, life can become difficult to manage. Yet roughly 2,000 workers each day receive treatment for eye injuries sustained on the job. This is a staggering number considering most of these injuries could be prevented if employers followed simple safety protocols and furnished workers with a safe working environment.

Common Workplace Eye Injuries

Accidents happen in the workplace every day in situations that workers have become comfortable working in. These tragedies can take place in an instant. And, in most cases, protective eyewear isn’t being worn.

Some of the typical reasons that employees aren’t wearing protection include that it isn’t provided, it doesn’t fit properly, or they are told it isn’t necessary. But not having this protection can lead to serious consequences.

The most common causes of workplace eye injuries include lacerations, punctures, and chemical burns. These injuries happen most frequently in the manufacturing, transportation, and service industries.

Types of Eye Risks

Your eyes are some of your body’s most vulnerable organs. You depend on them for your sight, yet they are only protected by a transparent, thin layer called the cornea. The cornea acts as a natural barrier against foreign particles and protects the lens and retina, which interpret images. This is an organ that is incredibly sensitive to various hazards you’re likely to encounter in a factory environment.

Impact and Dust

Your eyes are vulnerable to physical hazards such as objects that puncture or scratch the outer layer protecting the rest of the organ. This includes debris and dirt that may be in the air as well as tools or machinery.

Corneal abrasions are the most common type of eye injury, particularly in dusty workplaces. A minor scratch can heal in a few days. But severe abrasions or larger objects embedded in the eye could cause permanent damage.

Light and Heat

Your eyes are also sensitive to the radiation that comes from light and heat. An eye can sustain instant burns if it is exposed to high temperatures or bright light. This can happen from welding torches, sparks, fires, or furnaces. Even elevated levels of exposure to blue light from computer screens can damage the eye’s receptors and have an impact on a worker’s sleep and wellbeing.

Chemical Exposure

The soft tissue in the eye is also vulnerable to a variety of chemicals found in industrial workplaces. Strong cleaning agents and solvents, alkalis, and acids can temporarily or permanently damage a worker’s eyesight.

OSHA Regulations and Workplace Eye Protection

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses eye and face protection in specific general industry standards as well as standards for maritime and construction industries.

According to CFR 1910.133, employers must ensure that all affected employees use appropriate face and eye protection when exposed to face or eye hazards from flying particles, liquid chemicals, molten metal, chemical gases or vapors, acids or caustic liquids, or potentially injurious light radiation.

When there are hazards from flying objects, the employer must ensure that there is eye protection with side protection included. In some cases, detachable side protectors are acceptable.

OSHA advises that personal protective equipment (PPE) alone should not be relied upon to protect workers against various workplace hazards. Instead, these should be combined with sound manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and guards.

According to the agency’s guidelines, employers should conduct thorough walk-through surveys to identify sources of eye injury hazards in the workplace. These would include from machinery, materials, falling objects, chemicals, and processes (like welding). After minimizing as many of the hazards as possible, workers should be provided with the appropriate PPE.

Steps to Prevent Eye Injuries in a Factory Environment

OSHA requires that employers provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards. Some of the steps your industrial facility can take to prevent eye injuries include:

  1. Continually assess the workplace for safety hazards.
  2. Provide workers with well-fitting eye protection that is appropriate to the task.
  3. Require face shields for hazardous work.
  4. Install signage to enforce workplace eye protection rules.
  5. Install eyewash stations in appropriate areas.
  6. Train workers on eye protection safety and emergency response procedures.

What If You’ve Suffered an Eye Injury at Work?

If you’ve suffered a serious eye injury at work, it’s important to understand that your employer has an obligation to provide you with a safe work environment. Appropriate eye protection should be available to factory workers as well as training on its use and hazard avoidance. To learn more about protecting yourself from workplace eye injuries, contact OSHA Injury Attorney directly.

Bucket Truck Safety – OSHA Guidelines on Staying Safe In and Around Bucket Trucks

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Vehicles known as “bucket trucks” are among the most useful and versatile on worksites. When operated correctly, they give workers a safe platform to perform elevated tasks. Because a bucket lift is stable, workers can use both arms to perform work, resulting in improved efficiency. That’s why you’ll see these types of trucks used by various workers, from linemen to tree trimmers to painters. 

While a bucket truck is relatively simple to operate, these machines present a unique set of challenges and hazards. Fortunately, OSHA provides guidelines for staying safe in and around bucket trucks. 

What is a Bucket Truck or Aerial Lift?

Bucket trucks are trucks with an aerial lift attached. Also called cherry pickers, these machines are excellent tools used in a variety of industries to get workers to hard-to-reach areas. They provide a stable and safe work platform when used properly. 

Hazards Associated with Bucket Trucks

Accidents are bound to happen on the job. But working with and around bucket trucks is inherently dangerous work. Some of the main hazards associated with bucket trucks include:

  • Electrocution — Workers can become electrocuted due to accidental contact with energized wires. 
  • Overturning — A truck that isn’t parked or positioned properly is at risk of overturning. 
  • Entanglement — Power lines, tree limbs, and other overhead items can cause entanglement issues with a bucket truck and lead to injuries. 
  • Falls — Employees not provided with proper training or fall protection have a higher risk of falls from bucket trucks. 
  • Collisions — Traffic on busy roads or struck-against hazards from falling objects can cause serious injuries while using bucket trucks. 

Typical injuries when working from bucket trucks include sprains, strains, broken bones, burns, lacerations, electrocution, and even death from being struck by objects or falls. If businesses don’t take the time to be fully aware of hazards and create a strong workplace safety plan, bucket truck accidents are more likely to occur. 

OSHA Safety Guidelines for Working Around Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks require specialized training to operate to ensure the safety of workers and anyone in the area. OSHA provides an outline for bucket truck safety, which falls under the broader umbrella of aerial lift safety. Only authorized and trained workers should operate or use a bucket truck. Some of the specifics of bucket truck safety include:

Pre-Work Inspections and Safety Check

Before any work begins, there should be a pre-use safety check that includes:

  • Review equipment maintenance records
  • Check wheels, tires, and engine
  • Look for any deteriorating or missing part
  • Test all ground controls before starting work
  • Confirm that railing and door latches are in working order

Work Area Inspection

The area around the bucket truck must also be inspected, including:

  • Check the area for excessive slopes, drop-offs, debris, soft spots, and holes
  • Check the area for trees, overhead power lines, and building overhangs
  • Make sure the bucket and all equipment is secured before positioning the truck

Fall Protection

While falls from bucket trucks are relatively rare, they can happen. A more common scenario is where a worker gets knocked out of the bucket when another object or vehicle collides with the equipment. 

According to OSHA’s rule of thumb, all workers should be wearing personal fall protection if they are going to be six feet or more off the ground. The question for employers will be what type of fall protection will be used, such as a full-body harness or body belt. 

Personal Protective Equipment

All workers should be provided with the appropriate personal protected equipment, including:

  • Hard hats for workers
  • Appropriate gloves for the job
  • Face shields or safety glasses for workers
  • Appropriate fall arrest systems for bucket workers

Bucket Truck and Aerial Lift Operation

When operating a bucket truck, the proper procedures include:

  • Set brakes and use wheel chocks, even if working on a level surface
  • Establish an appropriate and safe work zone if working in a high-traffic area
  • Secure bucket and use safety chain before operation
  • Avoid leaning over the bucket railing or climbing on tool brackets
  • Don’t exceed the manufacturer’s load capacity
  • Never move the truck with a worker in the bucket

Emergency Escape

If something goes wrong, bucket truck workers are trained on safe escape methods:

  • Have auxiliary power available
  • Have a controlled descent rope or escape ladder

Learn More About Protecting Yourself from Bucket Truck Injuries

Whether you work as a power lineman, in a construction trade, or in some other industry, your employer has an obligation to provide a safe workplace that protects you from being injured while working around bucket trucks. Having appropriate training on the use of aerial devices and access to fall protection is a critical part of effective safety management and workplace preparedness. To learn more about protecting yourself from bucket truck injuries, contact OSHA Injury Attorney directly. 

OSHA Standards on Back Injury Protection

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OSHA Standards on “Back Injury Protection”

Back injures are the leading cause of worker disability, costing businesses millions each year and accounting for countless lost days of work. Back injuries can be extremely painful and long-lasting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back injuries account for roughly 20 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t have specific regulations for back safety. But training workers to lift safely is implied by the General Duty Clause of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act. The law requires that employers provide workers with a workplace that is “free of recognized hazards.”

OSHA has indicated that it will not focus its enforcement efforts on businesses that are taking measures to reduce hazards that cause employee strains and sprains or that have implemented effective ergonomic programs. If your employer has done these things, there should be some level of back injury protection. But there are no guarantees against a serious injury. 

Common Causes of Workplace Low Back Injury

Back injuries sustained in the workplace typically come from one of two categories – accidental injuries resulting from an unexpected action or strain and non-accidental injuries resulting from normal, non-strenuous activities. 

A back injury can result from a job that is physically demanding, such as one requiring a person to lift heavy loads and do a lot of twisting or straining. They can also result from poor ergonomics due to standing for long periods or having to sit in a bad office chair.

Your back is made up of bones, ligaments, muscles, connective tissue, vertebrae, and discs. And a workplace back injury can damage any of those parts or systems. Though an injury can occur at any point along your spinal column, from the neck to the tailbone, most workplace back injuries involve the lumbar area or lower back. Sprains and strains are common, as are more serious disk problems, such as compressions and herniations, which may require surgery and long-term treatment. 

Preventing Back Injuries With Lifting Safety Procedures

Preventing back injuries is a major challenge for employers. But it’s also a responsibility since businesses are supposed to provide a safe working environment. Although no strategy is going to completely eliminate back injuries, the frequency and severity of these cases can be reduced by incorporating effective training, ergonomics, and better design of work tasks.

OSHA has studied ways to help prevent injuries caused by lifting. The agency specifies two types of controls – administrative and engineering. 

Administrative Controls

OSHA suggests that employers establish effective procedures and processes that will reduce the instances of lifting injuries. Some examples include:

  • Requiring that at least two workers lift heavy loads to limit exertion
  • Creating systems so that workers rotate away from tasks that require repetitive motion, constant exertion, or awkward postures. Designing job rotation systems that allow workers to rotate between jobs that require the use of different muscle groups. 
  • Training on the proper use and maintenance of power and pneumatic tools
  • Staffing “floaters” to give workers needed breaks in addition to scheduled ones

Engineering Controls

 OSHA suggests that employers design or redesign workspaces to minimize or eliminate hazards that can lead to lifting or low back injuries. Some examples include:

  • Reducing the weight of loads to limit the force of exertion
  • Using devices to reposition or lift heavy objects to limit the force of exertion
  • Redesigning tools to allow more neutral postures
  • Repositioning work tables to eliminate the need for excessive/long reach and enable neutral working postures
  • Making tasks less repetitive by using diverging conveyors
  • Eliminating excessive reaching or leaning by installing diverters on converters to direct materials toward the worker

Back Support Belts – Do They Prevent Injury?

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of back support belts in industrial settings. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the CDC, states that the decision to wear one of these belts is a personal choice. However, back support belts are not a “cure-all” for back injury prevention. In fact, there is no scientific evidence supporting their benefits. Whether you use a back support belt or not, the best back injury prevention methods are the administrative and engineering controls that your employer implements to make your job and workplace safer. 

What If You’ve Suffered a Back Injury at Work?

If you’ve suffered a workplace back injury that restricts you from doing your job or requires medical attention, it’s important to understand that your employer has an obligation to provide a safe workplace that protects you from these issues. Appropriate back injury protection and training are critical parts of effective safety management and workplace preparedness. To learn more about protecting yourself from workplace back injuries, contact OSHA Injury Attorney directly. 

Forklift Safety Requirements

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Forklifts are some of the most commonly used pieces of equipment on worksites and in warehouses. These powered industrial machines are used to lift and then transport loads with ease and precision. Because they are powerful devices, there is considerable risk in operating and working around forklifts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established some specific forklift safety requirements to help reduce accidents and injuries. 

Workplace Forklift Injuries by the Numbers

Forklifts on a job site or in a warehouse can create an incredibly dangerous situation for workers. OSHA estimates that forklift accidents result in roughly 35,000 serious injuries, 62,000 non-serious injuries, and 90 fatalities annually. Even more disturbing is that about a quarter of these accidents are the result of inadequate training, highlighting the importance of making forklift safety a priority in the workplace. 

Essential Tips for Forklift Safety and Accident Prevention

There are more than a million forklifts in operation in the U.S. alone. An injury involving a forklift can be life-altering for the worker and their loved ones. To protect workers, OSHA has established forklift safety requirements, which can be found in 29 CFR 1910.178. 

OSHA requires that employers provide forklift training to workers that includes information on vehicle types, general operation instructions, and various safety requirements. Through a combination of practical and formal training, workers are expected to learn about forklift safety before operating or being around these machines. And, they must receive recertification in forklift operation at least every three years. Here are some of the most essential tips for forklift safety.

1. Get Forklift Certification

Since many accidents are due to poor or no training, it’s vital that employees operating forklifts or working around them get proper training and licensing. 

2. Understand the Forklift Classes

OSHA recognizes different types or classifications of forklifts. Each type has its own weight limit, structure, usage, turning radius, and traveling speed. So it’s essential to understand these differences to follow proper safety procedures. 

3. Wear Proper Clothing

Forklift operators should be dressed appropriately to avoid clothing getting caught in equipment or other injuries from excessive heat and falling objects. Some necessary items include a hard hat, safety shoes, and high visibility vest or jacket. 

4. Inspect the Equipment Daily

Forklifts should be inspected before each daily use. Some of the recommended checks include a test of all controls, examining tires, inspecting forks for damage, and checking fluids for any leaks. 

5. Establish a Floor Marking System

A floor marking system that includes directional arrows, hazard markings, and safety items like emergency switches can lead forklifts along the right path and keep pedestrians safe. 

6. Maintain 360-Degree Visibility

OSHA has established best practices for operation to provide machinery operators with better forward visibility. These include always looking in the direction of travel, using rear-view mirrors, and making eye contact with others in the area.

7. Avoid Exceeding Equipment Capacity

Every forklift has a maximum capacity. Operators should never exceed the counterweight of the equipment. 

8. Watch Forklift Stability

Every forklift has a center of gravity that it shares with the load it is transporting. Forklift operators must understand the “stability triangle” to prevent the machinery from tipping over. 

9. Know About Load Basics

OSHA advises operators to inspect loads before picking them up with a forklift to ensure they are safe for transport. Make sure the load is centered and secure before lifting the forks. 

10. Never Carry Extra People

Workers should never hitch a ride on a forklift or use a forklift as a lift. These are dangerous practices. 

11. Maintain an Appropriate Speed

Always drive the forklift at safe speeds and avoid abrupt turns or direction changes that could lead to tipping. Never travel with reach out or turn with forks elevated. 

12. Avoid Hazards Around the Area

Avoid standing or walking under a forklift attachment or load, either of which could fall and cause serious injury. 

13. Keep a Safe Distance

Always remain mindful of the surrounding area when operating a forklift. Keep a safe enough distance that there is room to turn, stop, and get out of the way of other machinery. 

14. Park the Equipment Properly

Be sure to park the forklift in a safe and designated place at the end of a shift to avoid blocking pathways. Apply the parking brake and fully lower the forks to the floor for storage.

Learn More About Protecting Yourself from Workplace Forklift Accidents

Whether you work in a warehouse, in construction, or in some other industry, your employer is obligated to provide you with a safe workplace that protects you from dangerous forklift accidents and injuries. Having the appropriate training and procedures in place is essential. To learn more about protecting yourself from workplace forklift accidents, contact OSHA Injury Attorney directly. 

The Top 10 OSHA Standards Cited for Violations in 2021

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In October 2021, OSHA released its preliminary data for its top 10 most-cited standards for fiscal year 2021. The data includes violations the agency issued between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021. The preliminary list was presented at the 2021 NSC Safety Congress and Expo, and the final results will be released in the coming months.

For the 11th straight year, Fall Protection tops the list. In truth, not much on this list has changed, although Hazard Communication moved to number five from number two last year.

Although it would be tempting to give the annual list a casual glance and move on with business as usual, OSHA and thousands of injured workers would prefer that employers did a bit more. A deeper dive into these OSHA standards could give many employers the information and tools they need to implement better workplace safety programs and give workers the protection they need and deserve.

Here are the Top 10 OSHA Safety Standards Cited for Violations in 2021

  1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,295 violations

For more than a decade, Fall Protection has topped this list as the most cited OSHA violation. OSHA created this particular standard to prevent falls, which, in the construction industry alone, account for roughly 40% of all workplace deaths.

To prevent fall injuries and deaths, it’s essential that employers supply workers with safety net systems, hole covers, guardrails, warning signs, and personal fall arrest systems. According to OSHA, these items must be in place when heights are six feet or more on construction sites and four feet or more in general industries. In addition, employees must be adequately trained on the proper use of all fall protection measures.

  1. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,527 violations

OSHA’s standard for Respiratory Protection is intended to safeguard workers from respiratory hazards in the workplace. The standard covers every aspect of worker protection, including selection, fit testing, procedures, evaluation, training, use, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment. Areas most often cited by OSHA are failure to establish a Respiratory Protection program, failure to identify workplace hazards, and lack of medical evaluations or proper equipment.

  1. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,026 violations

Working with ladders can be dangerous, and accidents involving them can lead to serious injuries. OSHA regulates the use, repair, and alteration of ladders on a job site. The most frequent areas of the OSHA Ladder Safety Standard that are cited include using ladders unsafely, using broken ladders, and not extending ladders far enough over an upper landing surface.

  1. Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,948 violations

Scaffolding is commonly used on construction sites, and its improper use can be dangerous and deadly. OSHA most commonly cites violations of this standard that include failure to use fall protection and the use of cross braces for access.

  1. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 1,947 violations

The Hazard Communication Standard refers to the handling of chemical hazards in the workplace. The most commonly cited violations of this hazard include failure to implement a hazcom program, lack of training, and failure to maintain Safety Data Sheets.

  1. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 1,698 violations

A Lockout/Tagout Standard applies to workers who repair, service, or maintain machinery or equipment. The areas of this standard cited most frequently for violations include training, inspections, general procedures, and an energy control program.

  1. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,666 violations

OSHA requires that employers not only have fall protection in place but that employees also understand how to use it. Employers are frequently cited for a failure to train employees on these workplace safety measures.

  1. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,452 violations

About 90%% of workplace eye injuries could be prevented through the use of proper eye and face protection. Violations of this OSHA standard include the failure to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and a lack of training and workplace standards.

  1. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,420 violations

This OSHA standard governs the design, use, maintenance, and fire protection of powered industrial trucks like tractors, fork trucks, and motorized hand trucks. Lack of maintenance, training, or poor signage are leading causes of violations.

  1. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,113 violations

Any machine process or part that could cause injury must be safeguarded. OSHA issues citations when guards are removed, altered, or not repaired, creating a serious workplace hazard.

In addition to the possibility that violating any of these OSHA standards could result in accidents, injuries, and loss of life, these citations come with hefty fines. In the construction industry alone, OSHA issued 16,749 citations in FY2021, resulting in $58,691,406 in fines.

OSHA standards aren’t in place to make the job of construction companies or contractors harder or more costly. They exist to protect the health and safety of workers. Workplace injuries and deaths are equally tragic and cost the industry millions each year.

If your employer is subject to OSHA regulations (most are), you have rights should you become injured or sick through the course of your employment. If you’ve been injured at work and would like more information about how to protect your rights, OSHA Injury Attorney can help.

How Important Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) On a Construction Worksite?

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Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, has received a lot of attention in the news over the past year and a half as a result of the coronavirus and the urge to reduce the spread of the infection. The increased demand for PPE in various industries has led many to think about the necessity of PPE in their own workplaces. While protective gear has always been necessary for the construction industry, the pandemic has heightened awareness about the importance of construction workers protecting themselves. Here’s an overview of the basics of Personal Protective Equipment and how important it is on a construction worksite.

What Is PPE?

PPE is equipment that protects against certain workplace hazards, ranging from falling objects to viral transmission. It is important to understand that PPE includes more than just masks which are intended to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus; PPE in construction refers to a range of different gear. PPE should be thought of as a necessary protection for any worker on a construction site, not merely an accessory. 

Common Types of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment varies by industry. During the start of the pandemic, masks in the healthcare industry received a lot of attention. In the construction industry, common types of PPE include:

  • Hearing protection. Construction workers are often exposed to loud noises that can contribute to occupational hearing loss. The best way to prevent hearing loss is to ensure that all workers are equipped with appropriate hearing protection PPE. This is especially important for workers who are working with loud machines and equipment, or who are on demolition sites where explosions are common.
  • Head protection. One of the most important types of PPE is a hard hat, which provides protection from falling objects. Head injuries can occur when a construction worker is struck in the head with an object, or if they fall and hit their head. Certain hard hats can also reduce exposure to high-voltage conductors, and therefore should be used anytime there’s a risk of an electrical hazard.
  • Eye and face protection. Falling objects, flames, dust, debris, shards of metal, bright light, and small objects (like nails and screws) all pose a risk to a construction worker’s eyes and face. Wearing eye and face protection when on a construction site, especially when engaging in certain activities—such as welding or working in an area with harmful chemicals—is critical. Eye injuries can be devastating but, fortunately, are almost always preventable with the right gear.
  • Foot protection. All workers on a construction site should always wear appropriate work boots that provide protection from punctures and heat, and that provide slip protection. Waterproof boots are also strongly recommended in many cases. 
  • Skin/body protection. Construction workers are often working outside, exposed to the elements, for hours at a time. While working in the sun may seem enjoyable on a nice day, the reality is that repeated exposure to sun, heat, and other hazards, such as chemicals, can lead to serious illness and disease. Construction workers are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer, a disease that can be prevented by proper skin/body PPE. 
  • Lung/respiratory protection. Breathing in chemicals, dust, and small particulates on a job site for hours a day, every day, can lead to serious respiratory complications and even cancers and other occupational illnesses in some cases. Wearing an appropriate mask or using another type of respiratory protective equipment is absolutely necessary for construction workers.

 

Of course, in addition to the above, construction workers should follow CDC and state guidelines regarding the use of masks to reduce the spread of coronavirus. You can read more about OSHA standards for PPE for workers in the construction industry here. 

Why Is PPE So Important In the Construction Industry?

Construction workers are at an increased risk of injury based on their occupation; workers in this industry suffer an increased risk of fatal injuries compared to workers in other jobs. Working outdoors, using power tools, working at heights, working with dangerous chemicals or substances, and working with large equipment and machinery can be extremely dangerous. Workers can reduce their risk of injury and occupational illness simply by using PPE appropriately. Managers should make sure that construction workers are trained on the proper use of PPE and that all workers on a site have access to appropriate PPE. 

Learn More About The Importance of PPE for Construction Workers Today

If you are a construction industry worker who has more questions about Personal Protective Equipment and how to keep yourself safe in the workplace, OSHA Injury Attorney can help. You can contact us today for answers to your questions about PPE and the law.

How Important Are Safety Meetings?

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For workers in a variety of industries where the risk of injury is high, regular safety meetings are a critical part of informing everyone of workplace risks and keeping people alert and aware of hazards. Consider the following information about safety meeting basics and reach out to OSHA Injury Attorney if you have questions about safety meetings and related safety regulations.

What Is a Safety Meeting?

A safety meeting can be a formal gathering where workplace safety protocols are reviewed and hazards are identified, or it can be a less formal meeting that happens briefly before a specific job or activity. During a safety meeting, workers may be briefed about job hazards, safety equipment may be checked, or training may be reviewed. These meetings are important for combating complacency and helping everyone in the workplace stay safe. 

What’s Covered in a Safety Meeting?

Safety meetings can cover a variety of different topics depending on the industry in which they are occurring. For example, workers in delivery services may be briefed on safe driving practices and common dangerous driving behaviors, such as drunk driving. In other industries, such as construction, a construction site safety meeting may cover things like fall protection, scaffolding requirements, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, safety around electricity, power tool and equipment safety, etc. Safety meetings might also occur in factories, as workers may need to be briefed on equipment hazards or assembly line best practices. When new safety concerns arise—such as the coronavirus—workers may be invited to a safety meeting where best practices for addressing the new hazard are reviewed. 

What Industries Need Safety Meetings?

Safety meetings can be relevant for workers in a variety of different industries; even office workers may encounter hazards in the workplace. Of course, some industries are more dangerous than others. Industries for which safety meetings are absolutely necessary include construction, manufacturing, logging, powerline workers, trucking, and any industries in which workers are exposed to heavy equipment, machinery, or other hazards. 

Tips for an Effective Workplace Safety Meeting

If you are a manager who is responsible for hosting workplace safety meetings, understanding best practices of effective safety meetings can go a long way in ensuring that workers hear the information. Here are a few ways that you can improve the efficacy of workplace safety meetings include:

  • Prepare in advance. It’s best to prepare for a safety meeting well in advance, both so that you as the employer have time to gather relevant information on the topics you want to cover, and so workers can be invited well in advance and have the meeting added to their calendars. If you’re not prepared when hosting a safety meeting, it will show.
  • Think about timing. When thinking about timing for the safety meeting, there are two main components to consider: first, when you’ll host the meeting, and second, for how long the meeting will last. This is where it’s important to have empathy: Consider that a worker who’s been on the job all day may not want to spend an extra two hours going over safety information. If you can keep the meeting short (while still covering all pertinent information!) and schedule it at a time that’s convenient for employees, the information may be better received.
  • Be relevant. Make sure that whatever safety information you’re planning to talk about is relevant to your industry and your business. If there have been recent safety incidents in your workplace, these can be a great starting point.
  • Keep it engaging. No one wants to listen to their employer drone on and on for hours about any topic. If you keep the meeting brief while also providing relevant, engaging content, you’ll have a better chance of keeping your audience’s focus. And don’t forget to ask questions or otherwise prompt participation during the meeting, too.
  • Follow up. Finally, be sure to follow up with workers after the safety meeting. You can consider asking for feedback, send out a survey, or send out an email or another notice with the information you shared in written form.

Learn More About Safety Meetings in the Workplace

Workplace safety meetings can provide critical safety information that helps to prevent injuries, especially in high-risk industries. In certain industries, such as manufacturing and construction, safety meetings are especially important. To learn more about the importance of workplace safety meetings and what types of information should be covered for specific industries, call OSHA Injury Attorney directly today.

Preventing Common Workplace Equipment Injuries

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Many industries rely on large pieces of equipment and machinery to get work done. While equipment and machinery are often critical, large equipment and machinery can also be dangerous. Machinery and equipment defects and improper operation of workplace equipment will often lead to severe injuries or even death. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. Consider the following about common workplace equipment injuries and how to prevent them.

Common Workplace Equipment Injuries

Working around equipment can be dangerous. For workers in the construction industry, manufacturing industry, and logging industry, working around heavy machinery and large equipment is risky. Some of the most common types of workplace equipment accidents and injuries include: 

  • Amputation injuries. Amputation injuries are an especially devastating injury type and can occur when a worker’s limb is caught in a piece of equipment or otherwise impacted by a sharp or heavy object to the point where amputation is medically necessary. 
  • Crush injuries. Crush injuries can sometimes lead to the amputation of a limb. Crush injuries can occur as a result of a worker being caught in machinery or equipment, struck by falling equipment, or run over by equipment. 
  • Caught-in/between injuries. Caught-in/between machinery injuries are one of the leading causes of fatal injury within the construction industry, as reported by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 
  • Fall injuries. Falling while trying to operate or exit from machinery or equipment can lead to bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, internal injuries, and other serious injury types. 
  • Backing-up injuries. One of the most serious types of accidents is a backing-up accident, which occurs when a worker is struck by a piece of machinery/equipment that is in reverse. These types of accidents can be fatal or lead to severe long-term harm. 
  • Electrical injuries. Many machines and equipment rely on electricity to run. Sometimes, faulty wiring, other defects, or improper operation can lead to electrical burns or electrocution, which can be fatal.

Tips for Preventing Common Workplace Equipment Injuries

The vast majority of workplace injuries can be prevented with proper safety training and regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and machinery. Some tips for preventing common workplace equipment injuries:

  • Ensure all operators are properly trained. One of the most critical elements of preventing workplace equipment injuries is simply ensuring that all workers are properly trained on the correct and appropriate operation of equipment. Failure to provide comprehensive and routine training significantly increases the risk of injury and may also be a violation of workplace safety standards. 
  • Host regular workplace safety meetings. Safety meetings are a time to review training, go over workplace hazards, discuss best practices, review PPE requirements, and otherwise check in about the best ways to prevent injuries and keep everyone in the workplace safe.
  • Encourage awareness of surroundings. Even when equipment is properly operated and is working as expected, there could be external factors that contribute to the risk of an accident. Encourage operators to always be hyper-vigilant and aware of their surroundings and to always assess a worksite before using equipment or machinery.
  • Ensure PPE is used. Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, can help to reduce the risk of injury. All workers should have access to the appropriate PPE for the job and be trained on how to use it. 
  • Regularly inspect and maintain equipment. Regularly inspecting equipment and regularly maintaining it can help to prevent equipment defects that lead to severe injuries. 
  • Mitigate hazards. It’s important to identify and remove known hazards, such as equipment hazards, infrastructure hazards, or hazardous practices. Hazard mitigation should be an integral part of all workplace safety plans. 
  • Report injuries and accidents. When an equipment or machinery accident does happen, it should be reported immediately and proper steps should be taken to document the incident. Keeping thorough records is one way to help mitigate accidents in the future.
  • Regularly review and respond. In addition to the above, constant monitoring and evaluation of workplace safety practices is essential. Practices and procedures should often be reviewed, as should any safety incidents or accident reports. Making adjustments to workplace safety practices and being adaptable are key elements of creating an effective response plan. 

How to Learn More About Workplace Equipment Injuries

If you have questions about workplace equipment injuries, best practices for preventing injuries, or workers’ rights if an injury does occur, OSHA Injury Attorney is a resource you can trust. Learn more from OSHA injury today online or by calling OSHA Injury Attorney directly at your convenience.