OSHA’S TOP 10 SAFETY HAZARDS
Being injured or suffering a work-related illness can be overwhelming and intimidating for any worker, whether you are an office, construction, or industrial worker. Fortunately, there are compensation options for those who suffer injuries in workplace accidents or develop occupational diseases. Workers are protected by state and federal laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which provides that workers have a right to work in a safe environment free of hazards.
If you or someone you care about suffered an injury or developed a work-related illness, consider contacting a skilled attorney. My law firm based in Webster, Texas, provides legal counsel to workers injured in Houston, Pasadena, South Houston, Alvin, Santa Fe, Clear Lake, Kemah, Friendswood, Dickinson, Bacliff, League City, Seabrook, and the rest of the state.
Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Safety Standards from OSHA for FY 2021
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), OSHA announced its list of the most frequently cited violations of workplace safety standards for the fiscal year of 2021. Interestingly, violations of fall protection requirements remain the most frequently cited on OSHA’s top 10 safety hazards list for the 11th consecutive year.
5,295 violations of Fall Protection – General (29 CFR 1926.501). This section requires employers to provide their workers with fall protection systems to prevent fall-related accidents.
2,527 violations of Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134). Employers must provide a respirator to every employee when respiratory protection is necessary to protect the worker’s health.
2,026 violations of Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053). This section deals with the safety of employees who use ladders. One of the requirements is that employers must provide fall protection when workers have to climb or work on fixed ladders above 24 feet.
1,948 violations of Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451). This section sets forth requirements for erecting and disassembling scaffolds to prevent scaffolding accidents.
1,947 violations of Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200). Employers must provide their workers with sufficient and adequate information regarding the hazards of all chemicals in the work environment.
1,698 violations of Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147). This section sets forth procedures for lockout and tagout devices to prevent injury.
1,666 violations of Fall Protection – Training (29 CFR 1926.503). Employers must provide training programs for every employee exposed to fall hazards.
1,452 violations of Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Protection the Eyes and Face (29 CFR 1926.102). Employers must provide their workers with necessary eye and face protection equipment when employees are exposed to chemical, radiation, or physical hazards.
1,420 violations of Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178). This section sets forth requirements for the safe design, maintenance, and operation of tractors, fork trucks, and other powered electric trucks.
1,113 violations of Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212). Employers must provide machine guarding to protect operators and workers in the machine area from hazards.
Filing a Workplace Personal Injury Claim
In Texas, people who get injured at work or suffer from work-related illnesses have two options for compensation: filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. Unlike 49 other states, Texas does not require employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, which is why many companies in Houston and across the state do not provide insurance coverage to injured workers.
When an employer does provide workers’ compensation insurance, injured workers can pursue a claim against their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider to receive reimbursement for reasonable medical expenses and a portion of lost wages.
However, if an employer does not provide workers’ compensation benefits, injured workers can file a personal injury claim, which often results in a higher settlement payout than workers’ comp benefits. Unlike workers’ compensation, damages sought through a personal injury claim are not limited to medical bills and lost wages. Injured workers can also seek compensation for their physical pain, emotional distress, suffering, and many other losses.
Let Jose Orihuela, Attorney at Law Help
If you were injured at work, you need to understand your options for compensation. As a personal injury attorney who has successfully represented numerous injured workers in Houston, Webster, Pasadena, South Houston, and elsewhere in Texas, I am prepared to review your case, advise you of your options for compensation, and assist you with filing a workplace personal injury claim. Contact me today to start working on your claim for compensation.