As part of the Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Act has a mission to ensure workplace safety, among other duties. OSHA sets and enforces standards to protect workers’ health while also providing training, education, and assistance that aids in meeting these standards. But while OSHA does inspect individual worksites on occasion, it can’t be everywhere. Do your part to protect yourself and others from personal injuries (or worse) and keep your workplace from being fined. Here’s how to spot OSHA violations at the jobsite.
A Feeling About Falling
The number one violation cited by OSHA regards fall protection. Hundreds die every year because of falls, and hundreds of thousands more experience simple to serious injuries. When an OSHA inspector visits, they’re on the lookout for places where people can fall and especially for devices and protective barriers that can prevent it, including rails, harnesses, anchors, and other things. They also look for improper use of those devices as well as ones that are clearly in bad shape. Any height over six feet is life-threatening, so be aware of your level of safety and protection as well as the proper equipment.
Warning, Warning!
When thinking about how to spot OSHA violations at the jobsite, don’t forget to watch for the signs—warning signs, that is. When hazardous materials are used anywhere, especially on a worksite, workers need to know the level of danger involved through clearly labeled signage. Signs need to identify the materials and provide information on what steps to take if anyone is exposed to them. Make sure chemical labels are present and visible on the worksite and that you and your fellow employees are ready to handle any emergency involving them.
Save Your Breath
Even before the pandemic, it was vital for industries in which particulates, gases, fumes, and so forth were present to provide masks, respirators, or other equipment to protect the lungs and other organs. The absence of respiratory protection became the fifth most cited OSHA violation before COVID-19, and it rocketed to number three in 2020. Air contaminants are no joke, and if employees lack lung protection, that’s a definite violation. Use masks and ensure there’s adequate ventilation.
Scaffolds and Ladders
The fourth and fifth most common OSHA violations are semi-related. Scaffolds face a rigorous set of standards addressing assembly under proper supervision, the amount of weight they can hold, stability, sufficient falling safeguards, approved materials, regular inspections, and more. Workers should be trained and warned about the dangers of scaffolding, including avoiding falls, watching for faulty planks and potential electrocution, and more. Though ladders are a simple piece of equipment, you should regularly inspect them and train workers in their proper use. Get a leg up on safety by inspecting your ladder before you use it!
Safety isn’t just OSHA’s business; it’s the business of everyone on the jobsite. Stay alert, and you may be able to save the life or limbs of one of your coworkers!
