OSHA Increasing Efforts in Southern Region

An increase in fall-related accidents and deaths across the south has officials from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerned, according to BusinessInsurance.com. OSHA officials plan to ramp up efforts across southern regions beginning on August 20 by increasing the number of unannounced inspections at construction sites. The emphasis will be on Region 4, which includes eight southern states east of the Mississippi.

“OSHA’s goal is to raise awareness about fall hazards and eliminate those conditions that lead to employee death,” said Cindy Coe, regional OSHA director in Atlanta. “Our compliance officers will conduct immediate inspections when they observe employees working from elevation without fall protection.”

OSHA reported that it received 19 reports of fatalities from falls at Region 4 construction sites so far in 2012, and Region 4 has lead the nation for the last two years. Throughout 2012, Region 4 has accounted for 23.8% or workplace fatalities.

Please visit our website for more information about workers comp if you have suffered an injury in the workplace.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.