03/ 28/ 2002
Provided by EHSManager and NFIB
Safety in the workplace is serious business. So is keeping up with all of the rules and regulations put in place with the aim of protecting workers and the environment. Avoiding violations of the standards takes time and effort, but it can pay dividends in the form of a safer work environment, avoided penalties and bad publicity. Here are the top ten most commonly violated workplace safety standards (according to information developed from OSHA and the State of Tennessee).
1. No Written Hazard Communication Program.
You should develop and implement an adequate hazard communication program. What does an adequate program include?
- A written description of how you will ensure that containers are labeled as required.
- A list of hazardous chemicals present at the worksite.
- Material safety datasheets for each listed chemical, readily accessible to employees.
- Employee training about the requirements of the OSHA standard and the hazards of all routine and non-routine tasks in the specific work area.
- Methods for informing other contractors of your program, so their employees can be trained to understand the hazards in your worksite.
2. No Information and Training on Hazardous Chemicals.
Your written communications program will go a long way toward solving this problem. However, it will not do you any good if you do not put it to use. Implement the program, make the information available to your employees and train them to use the tools you have provided to avoid unsafe exposure to chemical hazards.
3. Electrical Conductors Not Protected Entering Boxes, Cabinets or Fittings
If you do not know if you have problems with these issues, seek the help of a licensed electrician or ask your property and casualty insurer to inspect your workplace.
4. Electrical Covers and Canopies Missing
If your inspection turns up these problems, make sure that a qualified electrician replaces the missing cover.
5. Tongue Guards Missing or Not Adjusted on Abrasive Wheel Grinders.
Adjust the tongue guard or safety guard peripheral member to within an inch of the wheel periphery, to contain and deflect fragments away from the operator if the wheel shatters. Keep checking the guard as the wheel wears down and remember to never operate any equipment with the safety guards removed.
6. Hard Hats Not Worn on Construction Sites.
Just as a written hazard communication program does no good if you fail to implement it, providing hard hats does no good if your employees do not wear them. If you have problems getting your employees to wear hard hats you should examine your organizations approach to workplace safety. You may be sending a message that safety is not important to you and you need to change that impression. As a final note, make sure the hardhats you provide meet the specifications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
7. Fall Protection-Unprotected Sides on Surfaces 6 Feet or More in Height on Construction Sites.
Each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above a lower level needs to be protected using a guardrail system, safety net system or a personal fall arrest system.
8. No Portable Fire Extinguishers Provided.
Your local fire department should be able to help determine the number and type of fire extinguishers you need in your workplace. A written fire safety policy is a good idea. The policy should require the immediate and total evacuation of all employees from the workplace when the fire alarm signal sounds. Fire drills in the workplace are a good idea too.
9. Flexible Electrical Cords Used Unsafely
Flexible cords and cables should not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring in your building. These cords and cables should not be run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors.
10. Not Maintaining an OSHA 200 Log.
Certain employers are required by OSHA regulations to keep a log of work related injuries and illnesses. OHSA fact sheet 93-05 will help you determine if you are required to track these events and you can get this fact sheet and the necessary forms by contacting the OSHA Area Office or the State OSHA office.
These tips are presented by Dave Wisniewski of EHSManager and Jeff Koch of NFIB Member Services Corporation. For more information about complying with safety standards visit http://www.nfib.ehsmanager.com or call 1-877-803-SAFE (7233).
