Are you violating OSHA standards? Share your thoughts with us

Everybody these days working in the field knows about OSHA, but are you really acquainted with the violations you should avoid? Every year, thousands of dollars are spent by big companies on penalties put upon them by OSHA for violating the guidelines and standards also for OSHA training. Recently Disney Land had to pay huge amount on the same!! So, are ready to have OSHA inspect you? Are you 100% in line with the standards…..let’s see.
Here is a list of the most common citations in the Construction industry:

Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use.
Requirements for protective systems.
Respiratory Protection.
Aerial lifts.
Fall protection systems criteria and practices.
Training requirements.
General safety and health provisions.
Training requirements.
Safety training and education.
Head protection.
Eye and face protection.
Wiring design and protection.
General requirements.
Stairways.
Asbestos
Criteria for personal protective equipment.
Cranes and derricks.


Now the question comes..How to avoid these violations? The most important aspect is to have your staff properly trained for OSHA training and OSHA certification. Each of the above mentioned violations or field of operations needs specific OSHA training and OSHA certification. Some come under OSHA training for health like Asbestos, and some under Hazardous waste training, like 40 Hazwoper training.
How OSHA training does affect your OSHA standing?? That is because of two important things; first OSHA checks that the workers working in a particular field have the proper training certificate for that, Second, if the workers are properly trained they will know safety tips and how to perform in the work environment in line with safety and health guidelines, this will automatically reduce your chances for violations and penalties.
The other important aspect is to use the right and safe materials and equipment when working in the field. The machines should be properly oiled and checked for loose fittings before starting an operation. The electric wiring should be properly covered and earthed. Proper handling of stairways and ladders. Here again the importance of OSHA training cannot be ignored. If someone doesn’t have proper OSHA training on how to use stairways & ladders or work in confined spaces, we cannot expect them to use the right equipment.
Another important tip to remember is record keeping and human resource management. A complete record of the health conditions of all the workers should be kept saved in order to use it in case of insurance claim. Also if a worker gets sick, his past record will help you justify the condition in front of OSHA.
So, there we go….OSHA training, OSHA certification, record keeping, proper equipment….well there is more to cover….but next time. I will appreciate if you share you OSHA training or OSHA inspection experience with us, or just let me know if I haven’t covered something really important.