Workers at non-subscriber companies in Texas already know that they face dangers on the job daily, especially if they work in construction, at factories, with chemicals, or with electricity. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) implemented new rules for fall protection and hazard communications in 2014, but sadly these two violations are still at the top of OSHA’s safety violation list. Many of the other top 10 violations are also repeat offenders.
OSHA’s Top Ten Safety Violations in 2014
OSHA’s new safety violation list suggests that employers have done little to prevent injuries in the workplace by implementing OSHA’s safety recommendations. The top ways non-subscriber employers violate safety rules designed to protect workers include the following:
Fall protection.
For employees working six feet or higher from the ground, these rules include specific safety guidelines for different situations, fall protection equipment, and proper training for employees.
Hazard communication.
Working with hazardous chemicals requires employer communication and training about these dangerous chemicals with workers so they stay safe.
Scaffolding.
These rules include safety measures in the design of scaffolding and access to the scaffold for anyone working on or near scaffolding 10 feet or higher from the ground.
Respiratory protection.
Workplaces with air quality issues must abide by these worksite-specific procedures, proper respirator protection, and employee training in respirator use.
Powered industrial trucks.
These rules are for employees operating industrial trucks and other machinery, like forklifts, and include the design, operation, and maintenance of the machinery and employee training in the safe use of them.
Lockout and tagout.
Minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy during the servicing and maintenance of trucks and equipment, these regulations include use of safety products to avoid the accidental start-up of machinery.
Ladders.
Any worker using a ladder must follow basic safety requirements that include selecting the correct ladder length and duty rating for the job it is to be used for.
Electrical wiring.
The safe use of electrical wiring is covered under these OSHA rules and includes the grounding of wiring, electrical equipment, and insulation and the use of proper tools and safety equipment.
Machine guarding.
These rules are for the installation of guarding around machinery and include guarding requirements to protect workers and other employees from rotating parts, flying chips, sparks, and other dangers.
Electrical.
General safety requirements when designing, installing, and using electrical systems, these guidelines include utilizing insulated hand tools, ground fault circuit interrupters, and other safety measures to prevent workplace accidents.
If employers would implement OSHA’s safety measures in these 10 areas, many workplace accidents and employee injuries could be eliminated. However, until this happens, injured workers can sue negligent non-subscriber employers who cause their accidents.
Have You Been Injured At Your Texas Job And Your Employer Doesn't Provide Workers' Compensation?
If you've been injured on the job and your employer is non-subscriber you need to speak with an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
| Related Links: |
