Champions For Injured Pennsylvanians

How does OSHA deal with slip-and-fall hazards?

On Behalf of | Nov 10, 2021 | Slip-and-fall Accidents |

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, utilizes its regulatory powers to help prevent accidents in the workplace. Even when companies follow the rules, accidents happen, especially common ones like slip-and-fall mishaps. Busy Pennsylvania workers might not notice an object on the floor and trip. However, there are OSHA rules in place to help protect people against falls.

OSHA rules and requirements for businesses

OSHA regulations impose various requirements intended to protect workers from dangerous falls. Some falls result in only a minor injury, but a fall near hazardous machines or equipment could lead to a fatality. Falling down a hole in the floor could also cost someone their life.

Installing toe-boards and guard rails may present a level of protection that reduces the chances of injuries. A guard rail might keep a worker away from a hole, and a toe-board could prevent tools from falling from heights.

Of course, there’s a difference between placing guard rails and toe-boards haphazardly vs. installing them correctly. Poor installation might be indicative of negligence, which could open the liable party to a lawsuit.

Attempting to prevent worker injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents may leave someone unable to work for a long time. Some employees may suffer traumatic brain injuries or other life-changing events after a fall. For this reason, OSHA puts requirements on businesses to provide a safe working environment, including steps such as addressing known dangers and keeping worksites free of them.

Providing the necessary protective equipment appropriate for particular jobs could cut down on the risks. Even keeping a floor dry and free of strewn objects may help.

Worksites typically face requirements to train employees about job hazards. The rules even stipulate that employers must train employees in a language they understand. Businesses that fail to take these and other injury prevention steps might end up in legal trouble after someone gets hurt.

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