What are Some Common Workplace Safety Violations?
Workplace safety violations put employees at risk, increasing the likelihood of on-the-job accidents and injuries.
Employers are required to maintain a certain standard of safety in the workplace. When they fail to follow state and federal regulations, it increases the risk for potentially serious on-the-job accidents. Employees who suffer injuries may be entitled to workers’ compensation in Nebraska to help offset their medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. The following highlights some of the most common types of safety violations that are sited in the workplace.
Safety Violations That Put Workers’ Health at Risk
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency tasked with maintaining safety in the workplace. OSHA sets minimum standards which employers must follow and provides training, outreach to workers, and oversight through periodic inspections and investigations. Based on their records, the following are among the most common workplace safety violations:
● Communicating hazards: Employers are required to warn workers when they face dangerous conditions or exposure to any type of hazard on the work site. This includes posted warnings, providing hazard training, and taking precautions to prevent injuries or illnesses.
● Failure to provide proper fall protection: Falls are a leading cause of death and disability. They are common with workers in the construction field and in other occupations. Failure to provide fall protection includes everything from not providing proper scaffolding to inadequate flooring and failing to promptly clean up spills.
● Failure to provide respiratory protection: This applies in any industry where workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals, vapors, dust, or fumes. Not requiring masks or ventilators can cause workers to suffer breathing disorders, cancer, and other deadly diseases.
● Improper machinery training and machine guarding: Getting caught in or between machinery is another common cause of injuries. Machine workers must have the proper training or certifications and machine guarding must be in place.
● Control of hazardous energy: For workers in construction, utilities, and other job fields, live wiring and power surges can be a problem. There needs to be heavy oversight of safety procedures regarding power sources and energy circuits, along with emergency shut off and lock out protections.
● Powered industrial truck protections: Accidents involving forklifts, cranes, cement mixes, and other types of industrial trucks are common and can result in life threatening injuries. Workers must be trained and supervised in operations, vehicles must be properly maintained, and worksite protections must be in place.
● Failure to provide head and face protection: Goggles, hardhats, and other types of protective gear can help prevent workers from suffering injuries due to falling or flying objects.
In Nebraska, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that more than 23,000 workers are injured on the job each year. When accidents happen due to the above violations, you may be entitled to compensation in a claim.
Contact Our Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
When workplace safety violations leave you suffering serious injuries, Andres Law Offices, PC LLO acts as a strong legal advocate on your side. To request a consultation, contact our Nebraska workers’ compensation attorney today.