Protecting Your Workforce & Understanding OSHA Violations Series Post One: Falling Hazards

Crosspost from Training Tracker News

In 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported a significant number of violations across various industries. One of the highest reported violations was related to falling hazards, posing a serious threat to the safety and well-being of workers in various sectors.?

This post will dive into understanding the risks associated with this violation and how to implement effective safety measures to avoid receiving this violation during your next inspection. This is a crucial piece for businesses ensuring a safe working environment.?

Falling Hazards:

Falling hazards are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. The consequences can be severe, whether it's slipping on a wet surface, tripping over clutter, or falling from a height. The risk of falls is particularly high in industries like construction and manufacturing, where workers often operate at elevated heights. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur unexpectedly in seemingly low-risk environments like offices or healthcare facilities.

Understanding the common causes of falls is crucial for businesses to develop comprehensive fall prevention strategies. By addressing these factors through proper training, maintenance, and workplace design, employers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and create a safer working environment for their employees.

Unsecured work areas, poor housekeeping, lack of training or awareness, and faulty equipment are some causes of workplace accidents.?

Failure to properly secure work areas, such as failing to install guardrails or safety nets in construction sites or manufacturing facilities, increases the risk of falls. Cluttered workspaces, spilled liquids, and debris will also create tripping hazards, leading to slips and falls.?

Inadequate training on proper safety procedures and equipment usage can also leave workers vulnerable to falling accidents, especially in industries where working at heights is most common. If employees have been properly trained on equipment safety, beware of equipment that can malfunction occasionally, as it’s important to ensure it's properly maintained and regularly inspected.?

Mitigating Falling Hazards:

Businesses must prioritize safety measures tailored to their specific industry to prevent falling incidents and comply with OSHA regulations. Below are ways you can implement more effective safety measures.?

• Implement Comprehensive Training Programs: Provide employees with thorough training on fall prevention strategies, including proper equipment (like ladders, scaffolds, etc) usage and the importance of maintaining a clean work environment. Regularly refresh these courses so employees can stay informed on any updates to regulations and keep these procedures and strategies fresh in your employees’ minds.
• Use Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers have access to and properly use PPE, such as safety harnesses, non-slip footwear, and hard hats when working at heights or in environments prone to falls.
• Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Conduct routine inspections of equipment and work areas to identify potential hazards and address them promptly. Repair or replace faulty equipment to prevent accidents. Foster an open communication culture where employees feel comfortable reporting safety hazards or near-miss incidents. Encouraging reporting allows for quick resolution of issues before they escalate into accidents.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Encourage employees to report any safety concerns or near-miss incidents. Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and emphasizes the importance of following established safety protocols.
• Utilize Technology Solutions: Implement tools like Training Tracker software to streamline safety training processes, track employee certifications, and ensure compliance with OSHA standards. Automation can help reduce administrative errors and ensure all employees receive the necessary training.
• Invest in Proper Safety Equipment: Ensure your workplace has appropriate safety gear, such as guardrails, safety nets, and non-slip footwear. Providing workers with the necessary equipment reduces the risk of falls and demonstrates a commitment to their safety.

Relevant Fees for Failing to Meet Guidelines:

Failure to comply with OSHA regulations regarding this hazard can result in costly business penalties. The fees for violating falling hazard guidelines vary depending on the severity of the violation and the number of previous violations, but it’s a fee you’ll want to avoid!?

Below are some examples of potential penalties:

• Serious Violation: Fines ranging from $13,653 to $136,532 per violation may be imposed for serious violations where there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result. This hazard is one an employer knew or should have known about.
• Willful or Repeated Violation: For willful or repeated violations where the employer knowingly or intentionally disregards OSHA regulations, fines can escalate up to $136,532 per violation. Repeated violations within five years may result in increased penalties.
• Failure to Abate: If a business fails to correct a previously cited violation within the specified timeframe, additional penalties of up to $13,653 per day beyond the abatement date may be assessed until compliance is achieved.?

Conclusion:

Falling hazards pose a significant risk to workers across various industries, making it essential for businesses to prioritize safety measures and compliance with OSHA regulations. Understanding these risks, implementing these safety measures, investing in thorough employee and equipment training, compliance with OSHA, and avoiding financial repercussions will go much smoother. More importantly, you’ll be able to protect the safety and well-being of your employees efficiently. This way, businesses can mitigate falling hazards and create a safer work environment.?

Utilizing technology solutions like Training Tracker can allow businesses to avoid these falling hazards and effectively protect their workforce. Remember, when it comes to workplace safety, prevention is always better than cure. Get in touch with us here.?

Be on the lookout for a few other posts regarding OSHA violations over the next few weeks.