Safety Topic: Worker Safety - Most Common OSHA Violations

In a typical year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues more than 40,000 violations.

To avoid injury as well as OSHA fines, workplaces must develop and implement a plan for worker safety that complies with OSHA and creates a healthier environment for all.

The Most Commonly Issued OSHA Violations Relate To:

-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment today, as in the past, makes working safer and you more productive.

-Electrical Hazards

Working with electricity can be dangerous.

-Machine Guarding

Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injures the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled.

-Hazard Communication

Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.

-Fall Protection

Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry and six feet in construction.

-Lockout and Tag out of Energized Equipment

Lockout-Tag out refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

-Blocked or Obstructed Portable Fire Extinguisher

Fire protection equipment must be readily accessible.

-Lack of Documented Training Records

OSHA’s standards reflect their belief that training is essential for employee safety and health in the workplace.

Each of these issues can endanger staff and operations. So, all of us must ensure that these common violations do not occur.

They will certainly get in the way of our ongoing efforts to have a safe, efficient, and effective work environment.

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Campus Life Safety