As anyone who follows OSHA standards knows, there are a ton of possible violations that can leave your business, and employees, at risk. At STC, we are dedicated to preserving human life by helping our clients find and eliminate OSHA violations before a fine or an injury occurs. Here are the top five most cited OSHA violations in the workplace during 2020 from STC:
1. Fall Protection, Construction
Accidental slips and falls are common in the construction industry and can cause significant injury or even death, especially at great heights. Keep your crew prepared for any accidental slips and falls by securing them with the proper equipment they need for safety on the job.
2. Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry
Chemical safety in the workplace is vital to keeping employees safe. In order to avoid any potentially dangerous interactions with hazardous chemicals, all hazardous chemicals must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, with additional training for workers.
3. Scaffolding, General Requirements, Construction
In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported 61 fatalities from scaffolds. Every fatality and injury resulting from improper scaffolding can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards, potentially saving the lives of employees.
4. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), General Industry
Many forms of energy that are common in the workplace, such as hydraulic, electrical, thermal, chemical and many more, can be hazardous to workers if proper precautions are not taken. Proper lockout/tagout procedures can safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases.
5. Respiratory Protection, General Industry
Insufficient respiratory protection is another one of the OSHA violations that can cause permanent damage or death in certain situations. Harmful gases, dusts, smokes and vapors can cause cancers, diseases or death. Compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard could potentially prevent hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.
Prevent OSHA Violations with STC
STC is dedicated to helping companies resolve these issues to protect the lives of their employees and keep operations running as smoothly as possible. From managed safety services to onsite safety staffing and instructor-led safety training, our team is here to protect yours. Want to learn more about how we can prevent OSHA violations? Check out our blog today!
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