Every day, people arrive at work, generally thinking about their tasks for the day. They are not likely to be worried about or even think about any potential hazards they may encounter. However, many sectors may be forced to address this reality. According to OSHA, roughly 4,700 occupational deaths will occur in 2020. None of this is acceptable, regardless of whether it is due to the tools they use or a lack of training.
While not all errors result in death, some of the sectors with the most mortality also had the most occupational injuries. You’ll see a few of the ones OSHA has had to investigate as you read and why they score so high.
If you work in one of these industries and are worried about your personal safety knowledge, you may enroll in one of Hard Hat Training’s OSHA 10 Outreach courses. While they will not qualify you, you will save time and be better prepared for any work-related disaster.
Construction
This industry frequently ranks toward the top, if not at the top, of OSHA’s list of injuries and fatalities. Construction sites are fast-paced workplaces with a wide range of people juggling many duties. Carpenters, excavators, and welders are examples of such workers. Because these places are frequently noisy, it may take some time and effort to keep track of where everybody is during the day.
Fall hazards are one of the most severe problems that construction workers confront. Many builders operate at high altitudes, including as roofs, and can stay on track if they have the correct safety equipment. OSHA requires safety nets or guardrails to be installed at heights as low as six feet. Slips can also occur if there are any missing planks or unforeseen dips on the platform they are walking on.
Construction workers who have yet to have proper training may be reckless with ladders or scaffolding. This includes exceeding their weight restrictions by transporting heavy equipment or walking awkwardly up them. Furthermore, some establishments may forget to safeguard these products, leaving them more prone to tipping.
These are only a handful of the many prevalent infractions seen by construction workers on a daily basis. Chemicals, falling debris, and being struck by construction trucks can all cause injury or death. Considering all of this, it’s no surprise that this industry accounts for a sizable proportion of OSHA-reported fatalities.
Manufacturing
Workers in this profession assist in the production and transportation of a wide range of commodities, not all of which are simple or safe to handle. People and large machinery are generally crammed into these workstations. Warehouse employees face similar challenges.
Amputations have occurred in industrial plants as a result of incorrect equipment use or failure to turn off these devices. Because these spaces are noisy, some employees may want assistance to quit utilizing them, even if others are too close. Workers who maintain their equipment effectively may avoid additional hazards, such as broken parts or sparks that create fires.
Certain manufacturers may come into touch with this harmful toxin since they work with chemicals. All potential hazards should be clearly stated, and employees should be provided with essential safety equipment, such as gloves and face masks. Some workers may believe they are safe since the chemicals are contained, but one tiny mistake might result in a leak that affects everyone in the vicinity.
Wildlife and Agriculture
These sectors should be more frequently addressed, despite the fact that employees face danger on a regular basis. Farmers are threatened not only by heavy machinery and vehicles but also by nature and the animals they care for. The wildlife sector confronts the same challenges as other industries but with the addition of trap-related injuries or deaths.
A high percentage of tractor accidents have affected farmers. It was, in fact, responsible for the great majority of deaths in this business. One probable explanation is that farmers did not use seatbelts or other appropriate safety equipment when driving. Tractors, while not the fastest vehicles, can flip if they collide with an object.
Furthermore, employees in these occupations may be exposed to dangerous airborne toxins like pesticides. Breathing in these compounds without protective masks may cause respiratory diseases. Managers should not just offer masks but also guarantee that they are used appropriately. Workers should wear gloves and other protective gear when working with animals since some of them might spread illnesses or attack the employee.
Medical
Medical staff, whether first responders or office employees, confront a number of problems on the job. As predicted, biohazards such as body fluids are a major cause of worry. When engaging with sick or injured patients, employees should always wear gloves and masks and clean their hands often.
The use of needles may result in bloodborne illnesses. Needles should be disposed of away properly after pricking a patient rather than in random garbage. Getting pricked by a thrown-out needle can lead to severe infections like HIV. To avoid harm, even clean ones need to be handled with care.
Back strain is also rather prevalent, particularly among nurses and receptionists. Lifting patients requires the correct technique. Otherwise, caregivers risk injuring a muscle. Seats that require greater lumbar support may be assigned to receptionists.
A smaller minority of employees may suffer hostility from patients, visitors, or even coworkers. Harassment or physical violence can be used to accomplish this. While more challenging to manage, managers should implement a zero-tolerance policy in some instances to safeguard their staff.
Keeping Safe in the Workplace
Although the aforementioned occupations are the most hazardous, they are not the only ones that necessitate caution. You and your coworkers are vulnerable to a range of tragedies, regardless of your occupation. As a result, it is vital to be aware of the various standards for safe working conditions. Hard Hat Training simplifies this for everyone by offering a one-stop shop for a variety of OSHA safety training courses.
They provide customized OSHA training for particular workplace requirements as well as more universal courses. Supervisors can benefit from both online and in-person training by forcing their staff to participate. These supervisors can utilize the final exams to determine whether or not their employees completely comprehend workplace health and safety regulations.
The programs at Hard Hat Training are continually updated to meet the most recent OSHA guidelines, ensuring that you always receive the most up-to-date knowledge. The material will go over not only the issues but also the best solutions to avoid them. In addition to risk-based training, Hard Hat Training offers emergency preparedness training such as CPR and first aid.
Many individuals dread coming to work just because they have to, but they should not dread it because they are afraid of being injured. Choose from any of Hard Hat Training’s training courses to ensure your and your team’s safety. To view the entire schedule of classes, visit www.hardhattraining.com.
