Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: OSHA Top Safety Citations
December 21, 2016
Each year, over 4,500 workers are fatally injured in workplace accidents, and another three million are seriously injured. Employers are required by law to provide safe work environments to all their workers. Yet, year after year, the same hazards are responsible for causing dangerous, potentially life-threatening work environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its annual preliminary list of the top 10 most frequently cited safety and health violations for 2016.
Employers should consider the following list when determining where they can make safety improvements:
- Fall Protection
- Hazard Communication
- Scaffolds
- Respiratory Protection
- Lockout/Tagout
- Powered Industrial Trucks
- Ladders
- Machine Guarding
- Electrical Wiring
- Electrical/General Requirements
Avoiding These Common Injuries
It should come as no surprise that falls are on this list, including falls from scaffolds and ladders. However, when employers do not take these issues seriously, it can compromise the safety of the employees. There are specific safety protocols that can be taken to avoid injury, but it is up to the employers to make sure that their employees are following these steps and taking them seriously.
Working with heavy machinery also puts employees at risk of injury or fatality, especially if the employee’s hands, fingers, or other limbs become caught in the machine. This can lead to amputations. An employee can also be crushed if a worker loses control of a forklift, or any other type of industrial truck. Adherence to safety protocols and alertness are paramount.
Workers who are exposed to toxic substances like asbestos or silica over an extended period of time often experience serious respiratory issues. It is crucial for employers to provide the proper training and protective equipment for their employees.
While this list is not comprehensive, it highlights the most common offenses when it comes to workplace safety. It is an important reminder to employers to be proactive about creating a culture of safety. In addition to boosting employee morale and raising productivity, evidence shows that it can also reduce costs associated with the injuries. Addressing the hazards on this list is an important place to start in protecting the health and safety of workers.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Injured Workers
If you or a loved one has been injured at work, contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
