As a worker in Georgia, you have the right to a safe and healthy work environment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees the creation and enforcement of workplace safety and health standards. Employers must follow and comply with all OSHA standards that apply to their business.
You have a right to know what safety hazards may exist in your occupation and what your employer needs to do to mitigate those hazards.
Common safety violations
According to the OSHA Education Center®️, some of the most common violations that OSHA cites are for employers not properly implementing or providing the following:
- Fall protection– OSHA often issues the largest volume of citations per year in this category. Falling is an especially common danger in the construction industry and a significant safety hazard. In fact, falls cause over 39% of workplace deaths. Employers should offer training and safety equipment for all workers at risk of a fall.
- Hazard communication– Employers must communicate with workers through training and warning labels, signs, etc. the dangers of chemicals or materials that workers might come in contact with in the workplace.
- Respiratory protection– Occupations that expose workers to harmful dust, fumes, gases and other airborne dangers have the potential to cause serious respiratory illness.It is the employer’s responsibility to provide proper protection and protocols for employees.
- Scaffolding– Employers must follow certain standards for the construction and design of scaffolds in the workplace. Failing to follow the standards puts employees at higher risk of falling, slipping or getting struck by falling objects.
Even if an employer is in full compliance with OSHA standards, accidents can happen. If you get injured on the job, worker’s compensation can help cover your medical costs.