Last Updated: 12/8/2023

All workers should feel safe in the workplace. As such, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses workplace safety in Des Moines and sets workplace standards for different industries to which employers should adhere. Despite the rules, violations regularly occur. According to OSHA, the following are 10 of the most common hazards in the workplace that they must investigate.

Fall Protection Standards

Under section 1926.501(a) of Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, all employers must put in place protection from falls, and employees shall only be allowed to work on surfaces that have “requisite strength and structural integrity.”

Some fall protection requirements named under the section include this list.

  • Protected sides and edges
  • A guardrail or safety net system
  • Personal fall arrest systems
  • Covers over holes
  • Other barricades or fencing systems

Respiratory Protection

Workers must be protected from chemicals, toxins, or other pollutants. If other methods are not available (ventilation, confinement), then workers shall use respirators. Unfortunately, a lack of respiratory protection is the fourth most commonly cited standard.

Machine Guarding

A lack of guarded machinery is extremely dangerous and can lead to a number of accident and injury types, including amputation injuries. OSHA Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards require that guards “shall be affixed to the machine where possible and secured elsewhere if… not possible.”

Guards are required—but not always used— with the following types of machinery.

  • Guillotine cutters
  • Power saws
  • Shears
  • Alligator shears
  • Jointers
  • Portable power tools
  • Power presses
  • Milling machines

Electrical Requirements

Every year one of the top four causes of construction worker fatalities is electrocution.  Electrical equipment used by workers should be examined on a routine basis to ensure that it is free from known hazards. Unfortunately, examination does not always occur, leading to accidents.

The other six common workplace hazard violations.

  • Hazard communication
  • Scaffolding
  • Powered industrial trucks
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Ladders
  • Electrical wiring method standards

Speak with a Des Moines Attorney Who Knows Workplace Safety Principles

If you’ve had a workplace accident, then you need to consult with an attorney who knows OSHA workplace safety standards, as well as who is liable.

What’s more, you need a lawyer who is committed to putting in the work required to investigate the exact cause of your accident, build a case, and help you to determine which claim type is right for you (workers’ compensation vs. third-party liability). At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, we will do all that and more. Call our offices today at (888) 435-9886 to learn more, or fill out a contact form.

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.