OSHA rule on falls questioned due to fall safety provision
Oklahoma workers may be aware that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its rule to help prevent workplace falls. The final rule became effective on Jan.17, 2017. However, one of the key provisions is being questioned as OSHA now allows people to work near the edge of low-slope roofs without proper fall protection as […]
Protecting minors from workplace injuries
During the summer, many Oklahoma teenagers opt to get a job to earn some money while they are out of school. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, however, they are at risk for serious injuries due to a lack of inadequate safety training, unsafe equipment and lack of supervision. In 2015, it was […]
Union report highlights dangers workers face
Oklahoma residents may be interested to know that 150 American workers die each day from preventable work-related injuries and illnesses. This was according to a report released by the AFL-CIO. This translates to 4,836 workers who died from workplace injuries while another 50,000-60,000 died from occupational diseases. Furthermore, the number of immigrant workers who died […]
OSHA campaigns to prevent fall fatalities in the workplace
For Oklahoma construction workers, falls are still one of the leading causes of fatalities in their occupation. Many employees and employers still fail to use proper fall protection equipment. In an effort to reduce the number of tragic incidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an annual campaign to raise awareness about workplace fall […]
Staying safe while using stepladders at work
Regardless of their occupation, it is likely that many Oklahoma workers will be required to use a stepladder at some point, even if it is just for hanging decorations for an office party. While stepladders are seen as simple devices to use, there is still a risk of injury. In that regard, the Canadian Center […]
The hazards of grain storage facilities
Oklahoma has hundreds of livestock farms and ranches of all sizes, many of which have storage facilities for grain and other feed. A study that is conducted annually by Purdue University tracks the number of accidents connected to grain handling, and its report for 2016 has revealed a significant increase in fatalities over the previous […]
Workplace safety and health programs in Oklahoma
More than 4 million workers a year sustain severe occupational injuries or illnesses. While such incidents negatively impact employees and their families, companies also suffer losses in expenses and productivity. Every week, companies spend a billion dollars on workers’ compensation, which is money that could be better spent growing small businesses and creating jobs. To […]
Criminal liability following workplace accidents
Employers in Oklahoma and around the country can face criminal penalties when workplace accidents and injuries are caused by willful violations of recognized health and safety regulations. Executives can be fined as much as $250,000 and spend up to six months in jail under the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, also referred […]
Possible developments with workers’ compensation
Oklahoma employees who like to remain apprised of developments in the workers’ compensation field may be interested to know of the issues they should pay attention to in 2017. The possible changes in the industry may be the result of the 2016 presidential election and the outcomes of the gubernatorial elections that will occur in […]
Shift work and its impact on health
Many people in Oklahoma have work schedules that do not include typical nine-to-five days. Shift work, or work that is performed outside of regular working hours, usually requires them to alter their sleep schedule. Some shift workers must begin work before 6 a.m., and others must get all of their sleeping done during daylight hours. […]