There are varying standards in terms of workplace safety in different organizations but OSHA maintains that it is a fundamental area that must be observed; sadly, OSHA has a history of being flouted. These violations are not only dangerous for the workers but also come with great penalties for the employers. There is, however, some consolation in the fact that such violations can be greatly reduced through adequate instructional training, showing the need for OSHA to be more assertive.
In this article, we’ll look into some of the most common OSHA violations and how online courses that provide OSHA certification or OSHA courses can prevent them.
Why Are OSHA Violations Important?
Failure to follow the safety and health regulations set forth by OSHA is an act of committing an OSHA violation. However, OSHA is breached by employers at an alarming 47% and this can be classified into three categories; minor, serious safety, and nuisance infractions. All employers who are reported with OSHA violations will not only pay fines and lose their reputation but they will also cost a lot in terms of injuries and fatalities.
Common Violations of OSHA in the Workplace
OSHA has a habit of revealing the list of violations that are most cited every year. Some of the top violations and what good OSHA training online can do to fix them are given below:
1. Fall Protection Systems (Construction Having a Fall Risk)
Working at heights is one of the most common causes of construction worker deaths and injuries, with stairs and roofs being notable examples. For failure to provide suitable fall protection measures including guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets, OSHA comes after the employers.
• How Training Can Help:
Every occupational safety course geared towards construction workers focuses on the proper usage of PPE whenever there is a risk of falls. These courses also educate employers on fall arrest systems that satisfy the OSHA requirements.
2. Hazard Communication
Poor management and understanding of hazardous chemicals ranks among the levels where OSHA violations occur. This includes inappropriate labeling of hazardous substances or failing to hand over the safety data sheets (SDS) to the employees.
• How Training Can Help:
Evaluations of the OSHA program provide rich dynamics on hazard communication requirements and employees have a proper understanding of it. Employers are taught best practices on how to deal with, identify hazardous labels, and even store any corrosive materials. They are also trained on how to create a cohesive communication program targeting the hazards present in their organization.
3. Movable Tower Safety
Issues about scaffolding are one of the problems that have always haunted industries such as construction and manufacturing. Causes of compliance failure are quite often related to improper construction or failure to put in place safety requirements.
• How Training Can Help:
As a safety measure, OSHA training courses deal with scaffolding and include a section about how to erect, use, and supervise the use of framing systems. As a result, accidents associated with poorly erected or poorly maintained scaffolds should be greatly reduced.
4. Disabling Security Devices
The violation of the Control of a Machine Energy Sources during Maintenance and Servicing rule occurs when energy sources such as tools or machinery are not effectively secured during servicing or maintenance. This type of violation is likely to endanger the lives of the people servicing the machine as well as others.
• How Training Can Help:
The interactive AWS OSHA connection onsite and online learning training counts to hazard awareness on the part of both the employees and the employers in adopting a sound LOTO system. The training consists also of a specific day when everyone was instructed about their responsibility for shutting off the machine and locking it up.
5. Breathing Control
Whenever respirators are used at a workplace like construction, where its reputation is bad due to failing to provide its employees with quality respirators or failing to provide proper training on its use, these are missed violations.
• How Training Can Help:
Courses of this type of work specifically orient workers on how to choose, use, and care for certain pieces of equipment that are protective of the respiratory system. Those managing the establishment are also trained on how to evaluate the type of work carried out by employees and how to identify and control risks that could harm the respiratory system, in keeping with OSHA regulations.
The Significance of OSHA Training in an Organisation
A safe and protected work environment relies strongly on adequate and proper OSHA training. This includes engaging all involved through online safety programs, which introduces a lower rate of accidents as well as safety violations.
1. Overcoming Geographical Barriers via Online Learning
In this day and age, there isn’t a need for a business to hold in-person meetings to conduct training. Due to the global pandemic, it has developed into a handy approach that eliminates instructors. OSHA online training programs are popular nowadays due to the various online programs offered to learners with the same quality. Employees can conduct the training at their own pace, which allows companies to better assist employees regarding their safety practices.
2. Tailored to Specific Industries
Every branch of an organization faces unique security issues and concerns. This is one of the reasons why this training needs to be customized to one’s area of work, whether it is construction, healthcare, or manufacturing; there are courses for each that could assist them.
3. Cost-effective method of OSHA Certification Course
OSHA citation fines have a long-term way of building up, which is why investing in online classes will assist an organization in the long run. The advantages of preventing occupational injuries, avoiding OSHA citations along reduced downtime easily compensate for the training costs.
4. Strengthening a Safety Culture
Workforce training is critical to the strength of the safety culture. Through OSHA training courses, employees can recognize hazards and become more willing to report unsafe work conditions. This results in a lower number of incidents and greater compliance with OSHA standards.
How to Get Started with OSHA Learning
In case you want to upgrade the safety and compliance level of your workplace, one of the first things you should do is find the right OSHA training online provider. Ensure to choose the ones with:
- OSHA-accredited training classes
- Safe and secure online portal
- Good customer service and timely completion
- Reasonable costs and decent fee structures
Investing in quality training materials will ensure that your team understands the dangers of working in unsafe conditions and how to implement safety measures.
Conclusion
To avoid OSHA violations, there is a need for proper training. Whether it is fall protection, protecting flammable liquids, or the elements included in the communication of hazards, OSHA training online provides employees and employers with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent issues from arising in the workplace. By attending OSHA certification programs and applying the concepts learned in class, business operations are less likely to incur unwanted fines while increasing efficiency.
So whether you have your own business or are simply part of the workforce, make compliance and safety a starting point by signing up for a complete OSHA online training module today.
