Common Types of OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees health and safety requirements to keep employees free from hazards. Employers must remain compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which helps to develop standards to protect employees from unsafe work environments.
Warehouse, factory, and healthcare workers are amongst the professions with the highest risk of injury. If you are in one of these industries, you may rely heavily on your employer to enforce regulations to keep you safe. At Fulton & Barr, Attorneys at Law, we have experience with employers violating OSHA regulations, causing workers devastating injuries.
If you believe that your employer has conducted an OSHA violation, our Greenville workers’ compensation lawyers are here to defend your interests.
Top Five OSHA Violations
Each year, OSHA identifies the top categories of workplace violations. Whereas not all employers who violate OSHA standards will receive citations or penalties, the implications place workers’ lives in danger.
In fiscal year 2023, the most common OSHA violations entailed:
Fall Protection (Construction)
The leading cause of fatalities for construction workers, falls can be caused by unprotected sides, holes, or unstable walking surfaces. It is such a pressing issue that OSHA requires that floor openings be covered, secured, or clearly labeled. Under OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)), walking surfaces that are at least six feet above the ground must be equipped with either a guardrail or safety net system.
Hazard Communication (General Industry)
The names of classified hazardous chemicals must be shared with employees, and chemicals must be properly labeled. Additionally, employees must receive training on protective measures in handling hazardous chemicals. Failing to handle chemicals properly may result in irritation of the eyes or skin, respiratory issues, and cancer.
Ladders (Construction)
In a recent year, there were 22,710 work injuries and 161 workplace fatalities attributed to ladders. If the ladder is positioned on an uneven surface, in poor condition, or if the wrong ladder is used for the job, the risk of falling increases significantly.
OSHA regulations stipulate the maximum weight that both portable and fixed ladders must be able to support without collapsing. For climbs that are higher than 24 feet, fixed ladders must be equipped with ladder safety devices, self-retracting lifelines, and cages or multiple ladder sections.
Scaffolding (Construction)
Unstable or damaged scaffolding is a danger to construction, maintenance, and repair workers. Under OSHA regulations, scaffolding must be able to support four times the maximum load, with suspension ropes supporting six times its intended maximum load. The law prohibits unstable objects from being used to support scaffolds or to be used as working platforms.
Powered Industrial Trucks (General Industry)
OSHA regulates the design, maintenance, and use of various types of motorized hand trucks, lift trucks, tractors, and fork trucks used in the workplace. It is crucial that employers follow these regulations to a tee. While power-operated industrial trucks cannot be used around certain hazardous chemicals, they can be used in environments with flammable liquids or gases as long as these hazardous liquids are adequately contained. Failure to comply can result in workers suffering grave injuries.
Aggressive Counsel When Suffering Work Injuries
If you have been injured on the job, you need an attorney who will investigate the matter to discern if your rights were compromised. Although OSHA will conduct its own investigation, a Greenville workers’ compensation lawyer will help you understand your rights, gather evidence to prove liability, and help you fight for the benefits you deserve. If you have reason to believe that your workers’ compensation insurer has miscalculated your benefits, give our office a call.
Injured? Reach Out to Our Greenville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you have been injured due to an OSHA violation, the Greenville workers’ compensation lawyers at Fulton & Barr, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Do not let another person’s slip-up cost you. Our attorneys have dedicated their professional lives to assisting hardworking individuals like yourself to recover just compensation for work-related injuries. To get started, contact us online or give us a call to arrange your complimentary consultation.
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