The work environment is filled with health and safety pitfalls. To improve your EHS record for 2017, begin with avoiding the ten most common violations of 2016.
After conducting almost 32,000 inspections in 2016, OSHA has produced a list of the top 10 violations. While your company may not put workers up on roofs (“fall protection” is number one on the list), you might want to glance over the list. That way, you can check your own EHS protocols to avoid these common violations.
Think of this list as a launchpad for safety evaluation for the coming year.
1. Fall Protection
For the construction industry, proper fall protection should be a priority. For other industries, let this top violation be a warning that falls can happen anywhere: floor holes, platforms, and even over machinery when there’s not much height involved at all.
2. Hazard Communication
Failing to warn employees and visitors with proper “HazCom” standards is serious, too. Avoid violations and incidents with training for protection measures, protocol for handling chemicals, and full analysis of operations in places where hazards are present.
3. Scaffolds
There is an ongoing OSHA campaign about scaffold safety issues – make sure you stay informed.
4. Respiratory Protection
This type of violation is also serious: it can have long-term negative effects on workers’ health. Provide protection and safety training, and use training tracking software to manage this initiative.
5. Lockout/Tagout
Too many workers are seriously harmed and even killed when machinery starts up unexpectedly during repairs. Make sure you have proper procedures in place for completely powering down machinery during maintenance.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks
So many violations with powered industrial trucks means there’s not enough safety training taking place out there. Review your program and make updates.
7. Ladders
Learn about loads, angle, slipping, and rung maintenance through OSHA’s ladder safety tips.
8. Machine Guarding
When moving parts aren’t properly enclosed, fingers and hands are put at risk. Install guards to protect limbs, and make sure employees know about using them.
9. Electrical Wiring
Electrical safety programs should protect employees from electrical shock, fires, explosions, and more. And it’s not just line workers: even office workers can be exposed to danger from wiring hazards.
10. Electrical, general requirements
Finally, since electrical safety is no light matter, general electrical violations ring in at number ten on OSHA’s list.
From marine terminals to general industry, EHS managers should review their safety protocols and update training sessions to make everyone safer at work. That goes for all safety areas, not just these top 10. Here’s to a safe 2017!
