Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog
Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released their list of the most frequently cited violations across the nation. According to Safety and Health Magazine, citations regarding fall protection were the most common throughout the year. More than 8,200 of these citations were issued, which serves as about 1,000 more than last year.
In second, hazardous communication. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislative or regulatory enactments of a state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to this subject. There were more than 6,100 citations issued for violating this standard in workplaces across the U.S.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Massachusetts understand there are very strict guidelines in place. Unfortunately, companies and employers don’t always follow these guidelines and standards and, in turn, risk the safety and health of their employees. Employees are required to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act, according to the United States Department of Labor (DOL).
Also among the most frequently cited violations in the U.S. were scaffolding violations. Under this standard, employers should make sure that all scaffolds are designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Special attention is to be directed toward employees who work on scaffolds that are 10 feet or higher. In 2013, there were more than 5,400 citations handed out for violating scaffolding standards.
Respiratory protection ranked the fourth most commonly cited violation. It’s critical for employers to make sure that a respiratory protection program is in place and is properly maintained. All workers should be properly trained and should have easy access to these devices. In 2013, there have been more than 3,800 citations handed out for this violation.
Coming in at 5th place was electrical wiring issues. This standard covers the grounding of electrical equipment, wiring and insulation. It includes temporary wiring and splicing, such as flexible cords and cables. This violation reeled in more than 3,400 citations in the 2013 fiscal year.
Other Top Cited OSHA Violations.
-Powered Industrial Trucks
-Ladders
-Lockout/Tagout
-Electrical
-Machine Guarding
OSHA publishes this list to raise awareness among employers about these commonly cited standards. By raising awareness, OSHA officials hope that they can encourage employers to take the necessary steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Each year, there are far too many preventable injuries and illnesses that happen in the workplace.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Massachusetts, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim– (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Fencing Company Fined for Endangering Massachusetts Employees, Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Blog, December 1, 2013
Massachusetts Work Injuries to Increase with Improving Economy, Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Blog, November 28, 2013