Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Top 10 Safety Violations of 2015

Posted on March 7, 2016

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published its Top 10 list of the most frequently cited workplace safety violations. Staying in compliance with the latest safety regulations can avoid serious workplace injuries and save lives. The list helps identify common hazards to avoid in an ongoing effort towards establishing safer work environments.

The following is the list for 2015:

  1. Fall Protection (1926.501) – 6,721 violations
    – Be sure to equip all employees who work at heights with proper fall protection gear that is in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
  2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 5,192 violations
    – Identify and evaluate chemical hazards present in the workplace and provide employees with pertinent information.
  3. Scaffolding (1926.451) – 4,295 violations
    – Follow latest guidelines in order to protect employees working on or near scaffolding.
  4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 3,305 violations
    – Always use the proper respirators to help protect employees from air contaminants like dust, fumes, gases and vapors.
  5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.178) – 2,760 violations
    – Follow proper procedures and make sure to secure the necessary products to prevent an accidental startup of machinery. Lock, tag and try before continuing work.
  6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 2,760 violations
    – Maintain trucks at all times and keep up to date on operator training, certification on forklifts and motorized hand trucks.
  7. Ladders (1926.1053) – 2,489 violations
    – Select a ladder that is the appropriate length and confirm the ladder’s duty rating for the job it will be used for.
  8. Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305) – 2,404 violations
    – Inspect wiring and insulation and make sure electrical equipment is properly grounded.
  9. Machine Guarding (1910.212) – 2,295 violations
    – Employers should guard machinery in order to protect employees and others from hazards like rotating parts, flying chips, sparks and other dangers.
  10. Electrical – General Requirements (1910.303) – 1,973 violations
    – Employees should always follow factory instructions when designing, installing and operating equipment in order to stay in compliance and avoid injuries.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Assist Clients Through All Phases of Workers’ Compensation Claims 

If you have been injured at work as a result of a safety violation, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have a proven track record of obtaining maximum settlements for our clients, ensuring that their legal rights are protected at all times. For a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.