Because June is National Safety Month, we want to take the time to talk about ways to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths at your workplace. Below, we explain a few safety tips that can help you address OSHA’s top 10 safety violations.
#1: Fall Protection
Identify all potential fall hazards in your workplace and create a plan to remove them. If you work in an industry like construction where falls are common, make sure that all employees are provided with proper safety equipment to prevent falls. All employees should be trained to know where fall hazards are present and how to properly use the safety equipment.
#2: Hazard Communication
Employees should know how to find and how to read Safety Data Sheets, pictograms, and chemical labels. Knowing where to store chemicals and what to do in an emergency situation is a crucial part of maintaining a safe work environment.
#3: Scaffolding
Fall protection or fall arrest systems should be used whenever performing work on a scaffold. Inspect scaffolding daily to make sure they have been properly erected. Knowing how to identify and correct scaffolding hazards should be part of an employee’s job training. Always fix broken or improperly built scaffold components immediately.
#4: Respiratory Protection
Depending on what contaminates are commonly found in your work space, you should use the appropriate respirator to protect your breathing. Employees should be shown how to properly wear and care for protective respiratory gear. Employees should also be Fit Tested every year.
#5: Powered Industrial Trucks
When using an industrial truck, inspect it first to make sure it is in working condition. Employees who will be using industrial trucks have to be trained and re-trained every 3 years. Seatbelts should be worn at all times and daily inspections are required to ensure proper function of industrial trucks in use.
#6: Lockout / Tagout
All employees should be familiar with how to properly lockout / tagout equipment that should not be used due to safety concerns.
#7: Ladders
If you work in an industry that requires you to frequently use ladders, your employer should train you to identify potential hazards. Always follow ladder specifications and use the correct ladder needed for the work you are performing. Regularly inspect ladders to make sure they are in acceptable condition. If you come across a broken or malfunctioning ladder on the jobsite, immediately remove it.
#8: Electrical Wiring Methods
When using electrical wiring, always think about how flexible the cords and cables are and where they will be used at. Employers should train employees to properly use electrical wiring. If you find cords that are worn out or damaged, remove them from your workspace.
#9: Machine Guarding
Always report any hazardous mechanical motions and actions you encounter when using machines.
#10: Electrical Equipment
Employers should train workers to recognize and prevent hazards for all of the electrical equipment used to perform job duties. Make sure there is at least 3 feet of space in front of electric panels and breaker boxes.
At The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC, we help injured workers secure the compensation that they deserve. Our skilled team of San Antonio workers' compensation lawyer can review your case and help you build a strong claim for benefits. Call (210) 807-21378 to set up a consultation today.