Construction Law
The 10 Most Common OSHA Violations
To ensure compliance of Construction Industry standards, OSHA compliance officers visit job sites and conduct random, unannounced inspections. OSHA inspections can be prompted by a number of factors including employee complaints, fatality on site, or accidents resulting in hospitalization of three or more individuals. During an OSHA inspection, the compliance officer will look for any apparent safety and health violations. If the the individual or business is found to be in violation, a citation will be issued for the infraction.
If any of these scenarios have occurred on your job site, it is essential to consult an experienced OSHA defense attorney in Tampa as soon as possible. An experienced Tampa contractor attorney will be able to provide you with first-hand knowledge of what is to be expected and can recommend sound advice regarding which steps to take next.
To make sure you are fully prepared for your next OSHA inspection, we’ve provided a list of the 10 most common OSHA violations for 2012 according to the United States Department of Labor:
1. Fall Protection
There are general standards for providing a worker with protection when they are at a height of 4 feet or more. If these standards are not met, a citation will be issued.
2. Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standards
The most common violation of HazCom standards within the construction industry is the mislabeling or absence of safety data sheets.
3. Scaffolding Requirements
This violation typically includes the failure of walking surfaces to withstand the load of construction workers, and can also include the presence of debris falling from planks.
4. Respiratory Protection
Providing appropriate respiratory protection against dust, toxic fumes, gases and vapors for construction workers is required by OSHA standards.
5. Control of Hazard Energy (LOTO)
This standard addresses repairs and maintenance of machinery or equipment in which the start-up of the machinery or equipment could pose harm to the individual(s) performing the work.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks
This type of violation usually occurs with the presence of equipment such as forklifts. To avoid this type of violation, make sure that the individuals operating such equipment understand the limitations, safety requirements, and procedures of operation.
7. Electrical Wiring and Components
Violations of these standards range from improper use of extension cords to use of temporary components instead of permanent ones.
8. Ladders
Ladders are a major contributor to the number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Therefore, there are many complex requirements that contractors and businesses need to be mindful of to avoid being in violation of OSHA standards.
9. Machines, General Requirements
Any machine the could potentially cause bodily injury to an individual must be properly protected.
10. Electrical Systems Design, General Requirements
Violations of these standards include occurrences of electrical shock and electrocution, which according to OSHA, accounted for 9% of construction worker deaths in 2011.
If you or have been cited for an OSHA violation, it is highly recommended to seek the legal advice of a Tampa contractor lawyer. Although a minor infraction may seem harmless at first, it can gravely impact your reputation and chances of being awarded government bids in the future.
If you are in need of OSHA defense, contact a contractor attorney in Tampa at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
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.