The 4 most common workplace violations in Colorado

Accidents are bound to happen in the workplace. That’s why regardless of all the safety standards put in place to protect employees, Colorado law still requires employers to ensure their workers against injuries they might sustain while or as a result of doing their jobs. To protect yourself, here are some of the common violations cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the last fiscal 2021 that you should know.

Slips and falls

Falls can happen anywhere, be it an office, construction site, or warehouse. Among the things that can cause them are a cable on the pathway, obstacle, water, grease, damaged safety equipment, etc. Falls are perilous because they can result in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and sometimes death.

Respiratory problems

Working in an environment with poor ventilation can cause several respiratory problems like shortness of breath, eye and throat irritation, and headaches. If you work at a place where there’s a greater risk of this hazard, your employer must provide you with what you need to protect yourself, like a respirator dusk mask, and they should also conduct regular air quality tests.

Hazardous chemicals

You’re likely to come in contact with hazardous chemicals no matter your industry. That’s why it’s important for your employer to provide you with the necessary information and training on how to handle them properly. They should also offer the right personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, or full-body suits. Improper handling of these chemicals can cause severe skin burns, respiratory problems, and even death.

Repetitive motion injuries

These injuries are caused by performing the same motions over and over again. They’re common among office workers who type all day or assembly line workers who do the same task repeatedly. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. If you are injured, you should file a worker’s compensation claim to get the benefits you need for your recovery.

Every workplace is unique, so some of these hazards may not be a threat to you, and there could be some not on this list that can put you in great danger. Thus, it may be helpful to analyze your unique working conditions to come up with safety procedures that can help save your life.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION