Providing a safe environment for workers at a construction site is critical when it comes to minimizing the risk of accidents, injuries and death. In fact, it is the company’s responsibility to make sure all workers have a safe worksite, secure with proper equipment.
To ensure construction worksites maintain this standard of safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration makes routine and impromptu inspections, making sure workers are not exposed to dangers. If the agency finds violations of construction code, companies may receive hefty fines, and in some cases, could be restricted from setting up worksites in the future.
Violations
OSHA recently cited a construction site in Medford, New Jersey for 35 serious violations and 4 willful violations, according to the EHS Daily Advisor. The penalties totaled $244,397 for issues regarding fall hazards, electrical safety, ladder safeguards and head protection. The agency found that workers were not supplied with the proper personal safety equipment, including eye, face and head protection. Furthermore, there were several fall risks of more than 13 feet, which could easily end a person’s life.
Construction hazards
Two of the most common construction site hazards involve falls and being struck by falling objects. They are labeled as the fatal four due to this increased risk. When OSHA made a routine inspection visit to the Medford, New Jersey worksite, the compliance officer noticed fall risks and other hazards. When they returned two days later to reassess the situation, the issues had not been resolved. A third inspection led to the violation citations and fines.
It is critical that contractors and construction companies take worker safety seriously. Construction sites are extremely dangerous places and taking care of employees helps to ensure the job is done properly and efficiently.
