The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its annual list of the top 10 safety violations for 2019. The list does not differ much from 2018’s list and highlights the need for safety in the workplace.
Fall Protection
Fall protections consistently tops the list of safety violations. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities at work sites. However, employers often fail to take the proper precautions to protect workers. Employers can protect workers from falls by providing appropriate harnesses and placing handrails and guard rails where necessary.
Hazard Communication
Proper communication is one of the most important factors in maintaining a safe worksite. Labeling hazards such as chemicals and other dangerous substances is essential for safety.
Scaffolding
Improperly secured or inadequate scaffolding leads to hundreds of injuries every year. Workers on scaffolding should be properly trained and provided with adequate safety equipment.
Lockout/Tagout
Specific procedures must be followed by everyone on a work site to prevent injuries from the unexpected startup of equipment or the release of hazardous energy during maintenance.
Respiratory Protection
Workers should be protected from dust, sprays, and other hazardous materials with the use of proper respiratory protection.
Ladders
Ladders should be in a safe condition when provided to employees. Employers should also ensure that all employees are trained on safe ladder usage.
Powered Industrial Trucks
Thousands of injuries each year are caused by accidents involving trucks and forklifts on worksites. Employers should ensure that the safety procedures are in place and that all employees receive proper training. Trucks and other equipment should also be properly maintained.
Fall Protection—Training
Employers have an obligation to ensure that all employees on a worksite receive appropriate training regarding fall protection.
Machine Guarding
The moving parts of work equipment can cause serious injuries. The proper use of machine guarding can prevent these injuries. Employers have an obligation to ensure that machine guarding is in good condition and being used appropriately.
Eye and Face Protection
Workers are in danger of being injured by flying debris and other substances if they do not have the proper eye and face protection.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured on a construction site due to safety violations, you may want an experienced construction accident attorney on your side. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured construction workers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.