According to a news article posted by the Engineering News-Record, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released information listing the top ten workplace hazards and violations for 2012. They are as follows:
CSEM knows that workplace hazards and injury results like mentioned above, can be prevented and totally eliminated. By having well trained employees and management that have the primary assignment of their own safety, which includes their co-workers, the safety culture begins to eradicate the potential for these events to occur.
For example, by ensuring all employees are aware of their work environment, are instructed about standard procedures, and are equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to handle machines, the many injuries from machine guarding can be mitigated. The goal of all involved within an organization should be to control, and ultimately eliminate, the potential hazards when using machines.
| Hazard | Number |
| Fall Protection | 7,250 |
| Hazard Communication | 4,696 |
| Scaffolding | 3,814 |
| Respiratory Protection | 2,371 |
| Ladders | 2,310 |
| Machine Guarding | 2,097 |
| Power Industrial Trucks | 1,993 |
| Electrical, Wiring Methods | 1,744 |
| Lockout/Tagout | 1,572 |
| Electrical, General Reqs. | 1,332 |
CSEM knows that workplace hazards and injury results like mentioned above, can be prevented and totally eliminated. By having well trained employees and management that have the primary assignment of their own safety, which includes their co-workers, the safety culture begins to eradicate the potential for these events to occur.
For example, by ensuring all employees are aware of their work environment, are instructed about standard procedures, and are equipped with the proper tools and knowledge to handle machines, the many injuries from machine guarding can be mitigated. The goal of all involved within an organization should be to control, and ultimately eliminate, the potential hazards when using machines.
Or, consider fall protection. Among other things, employers are expected to ensure that workers are unable to fall from elevated platforms, like scaffolding or through holes or weak spots in the walls or floors of the work area. Here are 10 basic best practices when preparing to ascend to an elevated work space:
Only 2 examples of the 10 were discussed. However, CSEM provides safety training and consulting in all of the aforementioned hazard areas. So, please contact us to learn how we can help you to decrease the number of job related injuries, or even deaths, within your organization.
Read more from the Engineering News-Record article.
- Review the structure / workspace prior to ascending.
- If there are any safety breaches, do not climb - Inform a supervisor.
- Wear the proper attire — including footwear and headwear.
- Ascend to the work area with extreme caution — using railings or other safety features.
- Do not load or carry extra, unnecessary supplies when ascending to the work area.
- Ensure all workers and supervisors are aware of your position.
- Utilize the provided toe boards and guard rails when elevated.
- Use additional equipment, like safety harnesses, when necessary.
- Inform co-workers and supervisors when the job is complete.
- Inform others of the situation and descend with total caution.
While seemingly simple, performing these 10 practices can help greatly reduce the number of injuries due to fall protection.
You must recognize, though, that the above steps assume that employers go to the necessary lengths to meet, and even exceed, compliance regulations. If for whatever reason, you are questioning workplace safety or you feel unsafe about an elevated work environment, you should immediately inform the supervisor.
Only 2 examples of the 10 were discussed. However, CSEM provides safety training and consulting in all of the aforementioned hazard areas. So, please contact us to learn how we can help you to decrease the number of job related injuries, or even deaths, within your organization.
Read more from the Engineering News-Record article.
