Common OSHA Violations Industrial Sites Make

OSHA is responsible for keeping workers safe on the job. As such, these guidelines are especially useful on industrial sites that expose staff to hazardous conditions. Since electricity can put people at risk for injury, managers can imagine how important adhering to safety regulations is to their operations.

Still, many industrial sites make common OSHA violations every single day. For example, lockout is a consistent OSHA violation that endangers everyone in the workplace. Keep your eye out for any of these rule breaks that lower your safety standards.

Improper Machine Guarding

Operating heavy machinery leaves people vulnerable to injuries like burns, cuts, and bruises. In extreme cases, employees may even suffer partial or complete limb amputations. For these reasons, OSHA requires sites to use machine guarding techniques.

However, many locations fail to use proper barriers to keep staff a safe distance away. Some plants only protect one point of operation instead of adequately guarding all access areas. If your machine lacks sensors, alarms, or recent safety upgrades, it’s probably unfit for use.

Ineffective Emergency Response Plan

Another common OSHA violation industrial sites make involves poor emergency planning. All locations working with hazardous substances and energy must have an emergency response plan. However, many facilities have ineffective procedures, unclear points of contact, and confusing communication lines.

For instance, OSHA hazardous waste regulations state that all workplaces need an updated evacuation map and working procedure document. Whether chemicals spill or electrical machines malfunction, people need to know how to safely exit the building. Facilities that practice emergency maneuvers and hire safety managers fare better in this department than those that don’t.

Poor Electrical Wiring Methods

The dangers of electricity are no secret to industry professionals. Still, many industrial sites fail to use proper electrical wiring methods to protect their staff and location. It’s not enough to repair frayed wires; you’re entire electrical system must be up to code.

If you have ungrounded equipment, currents don’t have a safer route in case of malfunction. Even basic accessories like extension cords can be a severe hazard if you misuse them or let them overpower an outlet. All of these infractions increase electrocution risks and are unacceptable according to OSHA standards.

Sites that fail to adhere to OSHA regulations will have to pay hefty fines. They may also struggle with employee turnover and civil lawsuits. Everyone deserves a safe workplace; ensure your facility exceeds safety standards to avoid consequences.