Most people would like to think they are safe while at work. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, according to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4,821 people suffered fatal work injuries in 2014 alone - with nearly 1,250 workers dying in just the construction and manufacturing industries.
One of the most frustrating things about these deaths is that many of them could have been easily prevented had proper safety precautions simply been followed. After all, the whole reason why safety rules exist is to protect workers.
Sadly, however, many jobsites still fail to meet even the most basic safety requirements outlined under the law - and workers are put at risk as a result. For example, the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) still issues countless safety violations every year.
In fact, here are the 10 most-commonly cited violations reported by OSHA during the 2015 fiscal year (10/01/2014-09/30/2015):
- Failure to provide adequate fall protection
- Failure to ensure that workers are provided with information and warnings regarding hazardous chemical or substances
- Failure to provide/erect safe scaffolding
- Failure to follow the safety requirements relating to the use of ladders
- Failure to follow the safety requirements relating to powered industrial trucks, including fork-lifts, platform trucks and other specialized trucks
- Failure to ensure machinery has the proper guards
- Failure to ensure that electrical wiring, systems and equipment are free from hazards that can cause harm
- Failure to follow the safety regulations related to electrical wiring methods, components and equipment, including situations involving temporary electrical wiring
- Failure to provide adequate respiratory protection
- Failure to control hazardous energy, including the maintenance of machinery that may experience unexpected start-ups or the release of stored energy
Injured? Help is available.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working construction or any other industrial job, you may be entitled to a wide range of benefits and/or compensation.
This is why you need to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney will help protect your rights, plain and simple.