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After reviewing last year’s inspection records, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified the most frequent workplace hazards to watch out for.
Falls – OSHA has really made fall prevention a priority with the Stop-Falls campaign and the upcoming stand-down event. Most falls occur in the roofing and construction industries. OSHA hopes to reduce the incidence of fatal falls in 2014 through their new initiatives.
Hazard Communication – Workers are often injured on the job because they are handling toxic chemicals without any knowledge of the hazards of chemical exposure. Employers need to inform their workers of the properties of all workplace chemicals and their subsequent handling procedures.
Scaffolding – Related to fall injuries, OSHA inspectors have found that many injuries and deaths occur because of improperly rigged scaffolding or improper scaffolding climbing. It is the employer’s responsibility to see that scaffolding is erected properly and used with caution.
Respiratory Protection – Many occupational illnesses are contracted through breathing harmful chemicals or dusts. OSHA recently initiated a public dialogue about the dangers of inhaling silica, a dust emitted during stone cutting in construction industries. Providing adequate ventilation and protective clothing can prevent inhalation-related illnesses.
Electrical Wiring – Often workers are injured or killed because of exposed circuitry. Checking the integrity of electrical insulation and remembering to replace temporary wiring with durable substitutes can prevent workplace electrocutions.
Powered Trucks – Fork trucks, tractors and hand trucks are all common sites of workplace injuries. Employers need to ensure that all fueling, exhaust and electrical systems are properly safeguarded and that the truck is fit for service. Often, workers are injured using trucks that have not been inspected in years.
Ladders – Also related to fall injuries, many construction workers and roofers die because of simple errors in ladder usage. A ladder should have a minimum of three points of contact with the ground and wall to be considered structurally stable.
If any of the above workplace hazards is common to your work environment, our Columbus workers compensation attorneys can help. The Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC legal team has over 80 years of combined experience defending the innocent victims of workplace accidents. For more information, contact us at (614) 221-7548.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys