The Most Common OSHA Violations

 Posted on January 07, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

As anyone who works in a high-risk occupation will be quick to tell you, safety rules are written in blood. OSHA regulations exist to prevent people from getting hurt at work. New regulations are often developed in response to actual accidents that have befallen workers in the past. Employers have a duty to take workplace safety seriously and comply with all applicable safety rules and regulations, including laws and industry standards. When an employer habitually allows safety rules to be broken, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. If you were injured because your employer failed to enforce safety rules, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. You should reach out to an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after experiencing a workplace injury.

Commonly Violated Workplace Safety Rules 

A few of the most commonly cited OSHA standards in 2023 include: 

• Fall protection - Construction sites were frequently cited for inadequate fall protection. Workers who must climb scaffolding or work on higher levels of unfinished buildings should wear safety harnesses, and railings should be used when possible. Falls from heights can cause catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Improper ladder usage and scaffolding safety violations were common. A lack of fall prevention training was also a commonly cited issue.
• Industrial trucks - OSHA regulations control the type of environments in which industrial trucks can be used. Some industrial trucks pose a risk of explosions if they are used around other heavy machinery that can produce sparks. Industrial trucks may also produce gases that are unsafe to breathe in. 
• Hazardous energy control - When machinery that could turn on and cause injury to workers is present, OSHA regulations require the employer to use a lockout or tagout system that prevents the machinery from abruptly starting up. Some machinery must be completely powered down or disconnected from its power supply overnight or when workers are present, but the equipment is not in use.
• Respiratory protection - Employees who work around materials that are hazardous to breathe in should be provided with proper respiratory protection. Respiratory protection is underutilized in many industries, contributing to career-related illnesses. Employees who begin suffering from respiratory problems may not immediately realize the connection between their career and their illness. However, once a connection is established, these workers are generally eligible for workers’ compensation. 

Contact a Gilroy, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

Cramer + Martinez is committed to helping workers who have been injured due to their employers’ failures to follow safety regulations. Our experienced Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers will do all we can to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a complimentary consultation.