Accidents and injuries, including fatal ones, happen far too often in the workplace. Nationally, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The agency reported that in 2022, the number of preventable work deaths increased by 5%, totaling 4,695, and work-related injuries requiring medical treatment totaled more than 4.5 million.
Most workplace injuries are caused by violations, either by employees or employers. This blog discusses seven of the most common workplace violations. You could recover compensation if you suffered a work injury due to a violation. Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 for a free and confidential case review, and to learn how we can help you get justice for your work injury.
Why choose Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to represent you?
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand the impact of a work injury and the uncertainties that come with being away from work. Our work injury attorney will dedicate time and resources to fight for your rights and get fair compensation. We are committed to all our clients’ cases and provide personalized solutions based on your needs.
Whether you are in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or somewhere else in Texas, we can help. Book a free consultation with us today.
Our attorneys are experienced, skilled, and determined to help our clients get a favorable outcome.
What are the most common workplace safety violations that lead to accidents, injuries, and worse?
During the 2023 National Safety Commission (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its list of the top workplace safety violations. Below are the top seven.
Fall protection
Fall protection is required in industries where workers risk falling from heights. Falls account for most workplace injuries and deaths. If employers fail to uphold safety standards, workers can fall from overhead platforms, elevated workstations, or holes in the floors or walls.
Hazard communication
Hazard communication is a critical safety practice in the workplace, especially in industries that deal with hazardous chemicals. Proper hazard communication can reduce accidents, as employees become more aware of the risks associated with the dangerous substances they handle. Also, OSHA requires employers to train employees on new label elements and safety data sheet formats so they can recognize and understand hazards.
Ladders
If not used properly, ladders pose a significant risk to workers and can lead to falls. To reduce the hazards associated with ladders, employers must prioritize safety by implementing appropriate safety protocols, providing adequate training, regularly inspecting and maintaining ladders, using proper personal protective equipment, and following industry best practices and regulatory standards.
Scaffolding
Scaffolds are dangerous because of the risk of falls, collapses, and getting struck by objects. Workers may fall from scaffolds if not correctly assembled or overloaded and lacking guardrails. Employers can prevent this violation and safety hazard by adequately training employees.
Powered industrial trucks
Employers often violate OSHA’s regulations regarding powered industrial trucks such as forklifts and pallet jacks. If not correctly used and maintained, these vehicles can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Therefore, employers must ensure operators of powered industrial trucks are appropriately trained, operate them correctly, and follow safety protocols.
If your employer’s violation of OSHA’s safety codes led to your injury, our attorneys can help you seek compensation by filing a work injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim if your employer has workers’ comp insurance.
Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/tagout procedures help prevent hazardous energy releases during equipment maintenance or servicing. If lockout/tagout is not implemented correctly, workers face danger from unexpected machinery startup, which could lead to severe injuries or death. To prevent this, employers must provide clear procedures and training and strictly adhere to lockout/tagout guidelines.
Respiratory protection
Respiratory protection is crucial to protect workers against harmful airborne contaminants, but employers often violate this. OSHA requires employers to provide comprehensive training and conduct regular fitting tests for their employees to mitigate the risk connected with respiratory protection in the workplace.
OSHA safety violation numbers for Texas
OSHA releases safety violation statisticss for different states yearly, and in 2022, fall protection topped the list for Texas. Here is the complete list, in order, with violation numbers for the year 2022 as released by the Texas Department of Insurance:
- Fall protection (5,260)
- Hazard communication (2,424)
- Respiratory protection (2,185)
- Ladders (2,143)
- Scaffolding (2,058)
- Lockout/tagout (1,977)
- Powered industrial trucks (1,749)
- Fall protection training requirements (1,556)
- Eye and face protection (1,401)
- Machine guarding (1,370).
Let us help you get compensation for your work injury
The dangers in the workplace are very real. Therefore, if you become the victim of a workplace accident, the experienced work injury attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law are here to help. We will be with you every step of the way, guiding you and protecting your rights and interests. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
