Sometimes it's easy to forget that there are faces and lives behind statistics.
That holds true for the numbers that identify the most dangerous situations for our nation’s workers.
Our law firm discusses the figures and offers some ways to protect the health and lives of workers.
The Top 10 dangers to workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently listed its preliminary Top 10 workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2020. They are in a different order but are in the same areas as the previous year:
- Fall protection (integrity of walking surfaces; ranking at the top for the 10th consecutive year): 5,424 violations
- Hazard communication (labeling of dangerous chemicals): 3,199
- Respiratory protection from atmospheric contamination: 2,649
- Scaffolding (structural integrity): 2,538
- Ladders (load supports): 2,129
- Lockout/tagout (servicing of machines that might unexpectedly start or discharge energy): 2,065
- Powered industrial trucks (fire protection standards for motorized vehicles): 1,932
- Fall protection training requirements: 1,621
- Personal protective and life-saving equipment, eye and face protection: 1,369
- Machine guarding (maintenance of protective barriers): 1,313
Seven ways to protect workers
Avoiding most workplace accidents and injuries is both possible and simple. Here are seven tips for workers:
- Know the hazards. Make yourself familiar with your surroundings, looking for potential issues and identifying direct routes to emergency exits. Dress properly for your work.
- Create and maintain a safe work zone. Keep your area clear of unnecessary clutter and debris. This includes the inspection of machinery and vehicles to make sure they are in proper operating condition.
- Take regular breaks. Refresh your mind and body from repetitive work tasks.
- Learn and practice safe lifting techniques. If you work behind a desk, practice ergonomics.
- Use personal protective equipment. Earplugs, hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, air-purifying respirators, safety shoes and the like can prevent major injuries.
- Immediately notify your supervisor about safety hazards. Follow up with another manager if the situation is not addressed in a timely manner.
- Education and training. Take both seriously to protect yourself and your co-workers.
Get a law firm that never stops working for its clients
It’s unfortunate but true that accidents are going to occur in the workplace. A coworker can make an innocent mistake. A piece of equipment can malfunction. Or your employer may place profits over your well-being by failing to offer proper training or providing safe working conditions.
If you have been injured on the job in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you will soon discover that the workers’ compensation system apparently was created to make your life even more difficult. A simple error on your part can delay or undermine your entire case.
At O’Malley & Langan Law Offices in Pennsylvania, our workers' compensation lawyers can investigate your accident and fight for every dollar that you deserve. Our dedicated legal team knows the ins and outs of the state’s complex workers’ compensation system and will aggressively advocate for your best interests.
With offices in Scranton, Pittston, and Towanda, we serve injured workers throughout the state, including Lackawanna, Luzerne, Bradford, Schuykill, Lehigh, Monroe, Wyoming, and Wayne counties. Let us focus on your claim while you concentrate on your recovery. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
