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Top 10 Common Safety Violations on Job sites

worker holding hatAn annual list of the 10 most common workplace safety violations revealed that over 4,500 fatalities and three million injuries occur each year on job sites, according to The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

This year, OSHA evaluated almost 32,000 workplace inspection reports to determine which violations were most often cited. Inspectors noted the top violations tend to remain the same. OSHA says if the following 10 jobsite hazards were eliminated, the number of work-related injuries and fatalities would drop dramatically. The top 10 hazards include:

  • Fall protection
  • Communication of hazards
  • Scaffolding
  • Respiratory protection
  • Lockouts and tag outs
  • Powered industrial trucks
  • Ladders
  • Machine guarding
  • Electrical wiring
  • General requirements for electrical

Falls are the top cause of worker fatalities, especially in the construction industry. Substandard fall protection and safety problems involving ladders and scaffolding are often the cause of fall-related injuries.

Lockouts, tag outs and machine guarding violations cause deaths and injuries when machinery starts up unexpectedly during repairs and regular maintenance. Installing machine guards could make machinery safer for workers, providing protection against amputation and death.

Jobsites with asbestos and other toxins are often cited for respiratory protection violations. To combat the threat of dangerous toxins, employers should offer protective gear and train employees to effectively use the equipment.

Forklifts and industrial trucks are also commonly cited for violations and contribute to a high number of fatalities each year.

Employers are required to provide safe workplaces for their employees. Yet every year, there are deaths and injuries caused by unsafe conditions on jobsites throughout the country. If you have been injured on the job, our licensed Phoenix, AZ workers compensation attorneys at Phillips Law Group will fight for your right to compensation.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form to get started.