OSHA Defense
Why Unsafe Acts Happen in the Workplace
Thousands of injuries occur in workplaces across the country every year. Whenever a worker punches in for the day at the construction site, a warehouse, or factory, they are at risk for an accident.
Naturally, once an employee has been working in a particular trade for some time, they can develop an immunity to the threat of accidents and began to take their own safety and the safety of others for granted.
Carelessness in the workplace has far-reaching consequences, but with the counsel of a Texas OSHA defense lawyer, your workplace can minimize and avoid the legal repercussions of unsafe acts.
Causes of Unsafe Acts in the Workplace
Three of the primary causes of unsafe acts are due to:
A Lack of Knowledge of Health & Safety Protocols: An employee may not have knowledge of their employer’s health and safety protocols. This is an example of poor communication on the company’s part. Regulations and hazards can change regularly, so employers must make it their business to provide employees with regular safety updates and training.
Refusing to Follow Safety Protocols: Many companies go to great lengths to post their health and safety rules for all employees to see. However, there may be those few employees who choose to ignore these regulations for their own personal reasons.
Doing the Bare Minimum to Cut Costs: Implementing safety programs can be time-consuming and costly. To cut costs and keep production steady, some employers use it as an excuse to forego implementing certain regulations. This can backfire down the road if an injury were to happen and lead to OSHA penalties as well as worker compensation claims.
Unsafe Behaviors That Endanger Employees
The following behaviors increase the likelihood of accidents:
Complacency: Work tasks can become monotonous and employees may lose their sense of urgency and motivation to perform work properly. This leads to poor work habits.
Inadequate Training: Training should be ongoing and easily accessible to employees to ensure employees continue to perform their jobs well and safely.
Noncompliant Worker: A rule-resistant employee may feel that their way of doing things is better and will ignore company procedures for specific tasks. A poor work attitude and blatant disregard for safety policies affect everyone.
Rushing to Complete Work: People are typically in a time crunch when it comes to completing work projects on time which will only introduce human error into the work process. Never compromise safety to meet a deadline.
In conclusion, the key to workplace accident prevention involves an awareness of your environment, self-preservation, and concern for your peers.
If you would like to speak with an experienced Texas OSHA defense attorney, please contact us at 1-866-303-5868, or submit our contact request form.
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.