OSHA Defense

Preventing OSHA Violations Part 1 featured image

Preventing OSHA Violations Part 1

When a contractor or construction firm is facing a violation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) they are facing potential fines that range anywhere from $7,000 to $70,000 depending on the nature. As OSHA defense lawyers, we are aware of how costly these fines can be, and know that it can be very stressful for contractors to be in that situation. That’s why we recommend that contractors and construction firms take every precaution necessary to ensure that their job sites and work practices are reviewed routinely to help prevent any workplace hazards. To view the second half of this article, please visit Part 2.

In this article we will be discussing some of the most common OSHA violations and provide safety tips and recommendations on avoiding these violations.

Hazard Communication

In the construction industry, chemical manufacturers and importers are responsible for evaluating the hazards of their products. This includes checking for flammability, combustibility, and corrosiveness. The information from these reviews must be placed in material safety data sheets (MSDS) and on the labels of the product’s containers. Though this process is usually thorough, we recommend that contractors don’t rely on it. All contractors and construction firms should double check that all labels are fixed properly to their containers. We also recommend that there is a written plan in case of a hazardous emergency. All employees should be trained on what to do in an emergency, and have access to MSDS to avoid a hazard communications violation.

Improper Scaffolding Use

Not only is improper scaffolding use a safety concern for the person on the scaffolding, but also any person underneath it. The safety concerns that can arise when scaffolding is if it is improperly used or incorrectly assembled that can cause the equipment to collapse. This can cause serious injury or even be fatal to those on or underneath the collapsed scaffolding. For contractors and construction firms to avoid injuries and OSHA fines due to improper scaffolding use, we suggest that all scaffolding equipment and materials are regularly monitored, all employees who use scaffolding are trained on the property way to assemble it, and those who use the scaffolding are aware of any weight limits.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced OSHA defense lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, please call us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.