Workers in Oklahoma should be aware of the most frequently occurring workplace safety violations that may result in injury. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, violations related to fall protection-general requirements topped of the list for the sixth consecutive year. The list details the top 10 most common workplace safety violations that occurred from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017.
There were over 6,000 citations related to fall protection-general requirements that were issued during the 2017 fiscal year for the federal government. Violations related to communications regarding hazards, scaffolding, breathing protection and tagout and lockout requirements finished out the top five.
Although the violations included in the list tend to remain virtually the same year after year, citations issued for violations related to fall protection training was a new item for 2017. There were 1,523 citations issued to employers in 2017 for failing to properly train their workers on equipment and fall hazards as well as the maintenance and use of fall protection equipment.
Problems with adhering to the compliance requirements as detailed in the Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection rule that was recently issued by OSHA may be a contributing factor to the citations. The rule required that all fall protection training requirements had to be met by May 17, 2017. The extra ladders, walking-working surfaces and fall protection provisions that are included in the rule are expected to have an impact on the 2018 top violations list as well.
Workers who sustain injuries on the job because of inadequate workplace safety might be entitled to workers’ compensation. A personal injury attorney could notify OSHA about violations of federal safety regulations that contributed to the workplace accident and injury. The lawyer could appeal denied claims or file third-party liability lawsuits, if applicable.