OSHA’S TOP 10 SAFETY HAZARDS

The Occupational Safety and Health Act, widely known as OSHA, is a federal organization that regulates workplace safety and sets health standards to protect employees from on-the-job injuries.

When employers do not comply with OSHA regulations, they expose their employees to a number of safety hazards. As a result, thousands of workers sustain severe and disabling injuries and even death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 4,700 work-related deaths in 2020 across the United States.

If you have suffered an on-the-job injury or developed occupational illness because your employer failed to comply with OSHA regulations, contact Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., to request a free consultation about your case. We proudly represent clients in Omaha, Nebraska, and surrounding counties in matters related to workers’ compensation and personal injury.

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENTLY CITED WORKPLACE SAFETY HAZARDS

The law requires employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Unfortunately, many employers violate safety standards imposed by OSHA, increasing the risk of on-the-job injuries and occupational fatalities.

OSHA identifies the most common workplace safety hazards to educate employees about possible safety risks at work and encourage employers to improve their workplace conditions. The federal organization’s website lists the top 10 of the most frequently cited safety hazards at workplaces around the country:

1. Fall protection (general). OSHA sets safety standards for workplaces to protect workers who work above certain heights.
2. Respiratory protection. Depending on the worker’s job duties and the type of the working environment, OSHA may require the use of respirators to protect employees.
3. Ladders. Preventable on-the-job injuries are bound to happen when employees use ladders non-compliant with OSHA standards.
4. Scaffolding. There are strict requirements for using, erecting, and disassembling a scaffold to avoid scaffolding incidents at work.
5. Hazard communication. OSHA requires companies that handle, use, or store hazardous materials or chemicals to effectively communicate health risks to workers.
6. Lockout/tagout. In OSHA’s terminology, the words “lockout” and “tagout” refer to the control of hazardous energy at workplaces.
7. Fall protection (training). Employers must provide proper fall protection training to ensure that workers exposed to fall hazards understand how to protect themselves.
8. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment. OSHA requires employers to provide their employees with personal protective and lifesaving equipment to prevent injury or illness.
9. Powered industrial trucks. There are strict safety requirements regarding the operation and maintenance of powered industrial trucks at work.
10. Machine guarding. Moving machine parts have the potential to cause devastating on-the-job injuries, which is why OSHA regulates machine guarding.

If you or someone you love was involved in a workplace incident caused by any of the above-mentioned safety hazards, contact an attorney right away. At Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we are prepared to advocate for your rights and fight on your side to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled as soon as possible.

FILING A WORKPLACE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

No matter how your injury at work occurs or who is at fault, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s insurance company. Workers’ compensation will cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. However, in some instances, injured workers are also entitled to pursue a personal injury claim to recover additional compensation.

If you are considering filing a workplace personal injury claim following an on-the-job injury, it is essential to act quickly. There is a time limit that applies to personal injury cases in Nebraska. A skilled attorney will educate you about your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you need to get justice and move forward with your life.

REACH OUT TO HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., L.L.O.

At Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we understand how difficult it can be to navigate OSHA regulations and fight for financial compensation while trying to recover. Our experienced attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska, are dedicated to helping injured workers and families get the justice they deserve and hold employers accountable for OSHA violations. Schedule your free case evaluation today to get the legal assistance you need and get your life back on track.