Workplace accidents happen every year – in Shrewsbury, Newark and throughout New Jersey. Workers are left with serious injuries and are unable to do their jobs, resulting in financial stress. Injured workers are eligible for workers' compensation benefits to help them get through a difficult time. But many workplace accidents could have been prevented. There are hazards at every workplace, and employers have a responsibility to take steps to help keep workers safe. It’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed health and safety standards that employers must follow. But many employers fail to meet this responsibility. Every year, OSHA responds to accidents and complaints and conducts inspections to determine if employers have been following these standards. Safety+ Health reports on the Top 10 violations found by OSHA for fiscal year 2021:

1. Fall Protection, General Requirements (Standard 1926.501) – 5,271 violations: This standard addresses the fall protection measures that need to be taken for employees who walk and work on surfaces with an unprotected side or edge above 6 feet.
2. Respiratory Protection (Standard 1910.134) – 2,521 violations: This provides employers with guidance for establishing and implementing a respiratory protection program for workers who may be exposed to harmful substances such as dust, smoke, fumes and gases.
3. Ladders (Standard 1926.1053) – 2,018 violations: For workers who do their jobs high above the ground, this standard addresses the general safety requirements for all ladders.
4. Scaffolding (Standard 1926.451) – 1,943 violations: This standard addresses the safe construction and use of scaffolding for employees working at heights of 10 feet or higher.
5. Hazard Communication (Standard 1910.1200) – 1,939 violations: Many employees work with or near hazardous chemicals. This standard covers the communication of these hazards to workers.
6. Lockout/Tagout (Standard 1910.147) – 1,670 violations: This addresses requirements for servicing and maintaining machines and equipment that can release hazardous energy (including electrical, mechanical and hydraulic).
7. Fall Protection, Training Requirements (Standard 1926.503) – 1,660 violations: This standard covers training requirements employers must provide workers regarding fall protection.
8. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment, Eye and Face Protection (Standard 1926.102) – 1,451 violations: This standard addresses personal protective equipment employers must provide to workers for protection against flying particles, chemical gases and other hazards.
9. Powered Industrial Trucks (Standard 1910.178) – 1,404 violations: For workers who use industrial trucks (including forklifts and motorized trucks), this standard covers the safety and training requirements that must be followed.
10. Machine Guarding (Standards 1910.212) – 1,105 violations: This standard addresses guarding methods that protect workers using machinery from rotating parts, flying chips, sparks and other hazards.

Companies found to have violated OSHA standards are issued a citation and face fines and other penalties. When workplace accidents happen, injured employees deserve workers’ compensation benefits to pay their medical expenses and provide partial wages. But the process can be complicated. Employers and insurance carriers may dispute what happened and claims can be denied. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Shebell & Shebell, LLC has been fighting for injured workers since 1927. Our lawyers know what it takes to build strong cases that get results. We guide workers through the claims process every step of the way and fight for the benefits they deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job in New Jersey, contact us to schedule a free consultation at our Shrewsbury or Newark office.