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How to Avoid the Top OSHA Violations of 2021

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June is National Safety Month, 30-days of bringing awareness to worker accidents and safety on the job site. Safety is a huge concern for employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the government agency tasked with monitoring workplace safety, says that 5,333 workers died in accidents on the job in 2019. Over four million non-fatal workplace injuries are reported every year in the United States. It’s an untenable situation that costs employers big money—and if you’re reading this you are probably more than aware of the problem. But what you might not know is the top OSHA violations from 2020—and how your company can avoid them in 2021.

Top OSHA Violations in 2020

Unfortunately, some of the top OSHA infractions last year have been on the list for quite a while. It seems that we, as employers aren’t communicating the importance of a safe workplace to our employees or perhaps, we don’t have the right training or monitoring tools in place to enforce these rules. When that happens, we see far too many of the following OSHA infractions, including:

  • Fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501) accounts for 12 to 15% of U.S. workers’ compensation costs. Falls are the second leading cause of injury and the third leading cause of death in the workplace. To avoid the risk, keep walking surfaces clear and inspect signage and lighting. Require safe non-slip footwear, and remain vigilant for problems with ladders, loading docks, scaffolds, and more.
  • Respiratory protection (29 CFO 1910.134) is critical to protect workers from carcinogens, but far too often we neglect to wear respirators. Employers much identify and mitigate the respiratory hazards in your plant and make sure every worker has access to personal protection equipment.
  • Powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) including forklifts can cause serious injury or even death if mishandled. But employers are cited so frequently by OSHA that this category makes the top 10 violations list every year. To avoid joining this grim statistic, make sure your company has adequate training and written rules for how these tools are used.

Some of the other frequent OSHA citations go out for:

  • Failing to have a hazard communication plan (29 CFR 1910.1200).
  • Failing to control the hazardous energy device on-site (29 CFO 1910.147).
  • Failing to use machine guards (29 CFO 1910.212).
  • Failing to use eye and face protection (29 CFO 1926.102).

How to Avoid OSHA Violations in 2021

Providing for the safety of your workforce is and should be a top priority for your business. Compliance with OSHA regulations prevents accidents, injury, or even a business shutdown while dealing with the unthinkable.

Contact ADD STAFF Today to Learn More!

The best way to avoid OSHA violations is to develop a culture that emphasizes workplace safety. That process starts with new hires; finding the right candidates for the job, then training them appropriately will ensure their safety. ADD STAFF can help. Talk with our team today about your hiring goals.

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