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Our Guide to Understanding The Most Commonly Cited OSHA Citations

Creating safer workplaces and preserving human life through workplace safety is paramount at Safety Training & Compliance (STC). As a leader in safety consulting, we understand the significance of adhering to OSHA guidelines to prevent accidents and promote a safety culture. This blog will explore the top 5 most cited OSHA violations on the job site and how STC’s educational approach can help businesses avoid these pitfalls.

Understanding the Importance of OSHA Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets rigorous standards to protect workers from hazards on the job. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to serious consequences for employers and employees. STC emphasizes the importance of OSHA compliance through comprehensive safety training programs covering these frequently cited violations.

Fall Protection – The Most Common Violation

Fall protection consistently tops the list of the most cited OSHA violations. Many job-related accidents and fatalities are attributed to falls from heights. At STC, we focus on heightening awareness about fall hazards and implementing effective safety measures. Our training equips workers with the knowledge and skills to correctly use safety harnesses and fall protection systems.

Hazard Communication – Ensuring Awareness and Preparedness

Hazard Communication is another crucial aspect of OSHA compliance. The proper handling and communication of hazardous materials are vital for workplace safety. STC’s training educates workers on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances, ensuring they are well-prepared to avoid violations related to hazardous materials.

Scaffolding – Building a Foundation of Safety

Scaffolding violations can lead to severe injuries and fatalities, making it a significant concern on job sites. STC provides specialized training on scaffold safety, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections, proper assembly, and safe usage of scaffolds. By promoting a safety culture, we help businesses mitigate the risk of OSHA citations related to scaffolding.

Lockout/Tagout – Preventing Hazardous Energy Accidents

Lockout/Tagout violations are often cited when employees are not adequately trained on isolating hazardous energy sources before servicing equipment. STC’s training programs address these violations head-on by educating workers on proper lockout/tagout procedures, empowering them to safeguard against potential accidents.

At STC, we are committed to making workplaces safer and helping businesses avoid OSHA citations. By focusing on OSHA’s most cited violations, such as fall protection, hazard communication, scaffolding, and lockout/tagout, our educational approach ensures that employees are well-prepared to maintain compliance and prevent accidents. Want to learn more about workplace safety and OSHA compliance? Check out our blog today!

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Creating Safer Workplaces: The Purpose and Value of Incident Investigations

As safety consultants, we understand that accidents, injuries, and near misses can be stressful, frustrating, and even scary for everyone involved. However, it’s important to remember that incident investigations serve a vital purpose in preserving human life through workplace safety. Here’s what you need to know about the purpose and value of incident investigations from STC:

The Importance of Following OSHA Guidelines

At STC, we know that OSHA requires employers to conduct accident investigations for all OSHA-recordable injuries. Additionally, insurance providers require incident documentation for incidents that result in or may result in a claim. But incident investigations serve a much greater purpose than just fulfilling legal requirements.

The Prime Objective: Preventing Future Incidents

The primary objective of an incident investigation is to prevent future incidents. It’s not about placing blame or applying discipline. Incident investigations help us gather factual information about who, what, where, when, and how an incident occurred. Once this information is collected, we can analyze the incident and identify the root causes.

Analyzing Root Causes: A Deeper Look

Root causes are the underlying reasons for an incident. For example, if an employee cuts their hand because they weren’t wearing gloves while handling sharp material, it may seem like simple employee negligence. However, upon further analysis, it may be revealed that the employee needed to be provided with gloves, or the supervisor never wears gloves and doesn’t require their team to wear them. In this case, it would require re-evaluating our training program and identifying new corrective actions.

Sharing Valuable Lessons Learned

We must share valuable lessons learned with the entire company and our peers. In the construction industry, workers and crews are divided across a geographic area and may have yet to contact those on-site where the incident occurred. Likely, the same problems you’re experiencing on one site are also happening on others.

In conclusion, incident investigations serve a vital purpose in preserving human life through workplace safety. They are not about placing blame or applying discipline but instead identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future incidents. At STC, we strive to create safer workplaces by following OSHA guidelines and sharing lessons learned.

Want to learn more about incident investigations? Check out our blog today.

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