How much ladder accidents cost

Falls are in the top three most disabling workplace injuries, and $17.1 billion is spent on workplace falls, according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. And ladders are #6 on OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations list.

ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable, but without better safety planning and training and continuous innovation in product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.

National Ladder Safety Month goals include:

• Increase the number of ladder training certificates issued by ALI
• Lower the rankings of ladder-related citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
• Decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities
• Increase the number of competent ladder inspector training sessions
• Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

Ladder safety will also be an important component of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down in May.

Have you tried the NIOSH ladder safety app that includes straight and step ladders?

Key elements of ladder safety:

What is a ladder weight rating?
A ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating
To ensure you are using the right ladder for the job, check the Duty Rating of your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support: Your weight plus the weight of your clothing and protective equipment plus the weight of tools and supplies you are using.

Ladder and fall safety applies at any height
More often than not, ladder injuries are caused by people using them incorrectly. An American Ladder Institute survey found 3 of 4 participants felt ladder accidents in their workplace could have been avoided with training.

Here’s how you can get involved and help improve safety
at your workplace:

• Learn more and sign up for Ladder Safety Month materials. 
• View free safety training modules.
• Plan for the National Safety Stand-down in May. 
• Review OSHA Standard 1926.1053 on stairways and ladders. 
• This study of workplace ladder falls offers insights. 
• Browse ladder safety signs and labels.

The post March is National Ladder Safety Month appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Although the top violations didn’t change, there was some movement within the list. Fall Protection – General Requirements remains the #1 violation for the 13th year in a row, followed by Hazard Communication and Ladders.

The list is based on data from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023. It was announced at the National Safety Council’s 2023 Safety Congress & Expo.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 7,271 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 3,213 violations (+789 vs. 2022)
3. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
4. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,859 violations (+801 vs. 2022)
5. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 2,561 violations (+812 vs. 2022)
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 2,554 violations (+577 vs. 2022)
7. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,481 violations (+296 vs. 2022)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 2,112 violations (+556 vs. 2022)
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 2,074 violations (+673 vs. 2022)
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,644 violations (+274 vs. 2022)

This list shows what OSHA has been watching, which makes it a good place to start when reviewing safety needs of your business or making a safety plan. Fall Protection is clearly an area of increased focus for OSHA inspectors.

For comparison, the 2022 Top 10 were:

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 5,260 violations
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 2,424 violations
3. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,185 violations
4. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations
5. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,058 violations
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 1,977 violations
7. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 1,749 violations (+23.2% vs. 2021)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 1,556 violations
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,401 violations
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,370 violations

Additional Resources:

• Review the top 10 OSHA violations of 2021 and 2020.
• Easily make custom OSHA and other safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The week-long outreach event coincides with Construction Safety Week and encourages employers and workers to pause during the work day to talk about fall hazards and prevention.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. It’s an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with employees about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies and goals.

It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall hazards they see. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the week.

Suggestions for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Try to start early. Designate a coordinator to organize the stand-down. If you have multiple work sites, identify the team that will lead the stand-down at each site.

2. Get others involved. Ask your subcontractors, owner, architects, engineers, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.

3. Review your fall prevention program – and what types of falls are likely to occur at your worksite. This will help provide a more effective stand-down. Common incidents include falls from:

• Ladders
• Roofs
• Scaffolds
• Stairs
• Structural steel
• Falls through a floor or roof opening or a fragile roof surface

Fall Protection Questions to Ask:

What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses? Are employees aware of the company’s fall protection procedures? What training have you provided to your employees? Does it need revision? What equipment have you provided to employees? Is better equipment available?

5 Steps For Your Stand-Down

1. Develop presentations or activities that will meet the needs of your employees. The meeting should provide information about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (a worksite walkaround, equipment checks, etc.) can increase retention.
2. Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period or some other time.
3. Promote the stand-down. Make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
4. Hold your stand-down. Be positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
5. Follow up. If you learn something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

Stand-Down Resources:

• Stand-Down and Fall Prevention Materials
• Stand-Down FAQs
• Find events in your area
• Construction Safety Week information
• Construction Safety Week banners
• Browse Ladder Safety signs and Fall Protection PPE signs.

The post 2024 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls is May 6-10 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What Types of Workplace Safety Tags Are There?

There are four standard OSHA signal words used on tags, and those words indicate varying levels of workplace hazard.

• Danger: Only used for major hazards with a risk of serious injury or death
• Caution: Used for minor hazards, situations where possible safety risks might cause less serious injuries
• Warning: Used when a hazard risk is lower than danger tags but greater than caution tags
• Biohazard: Always required for any immediate or potential biological hazards, including containers, rooms, equipment or animals

OSHA Standard 1910.145 requires that signal words on a tag must be visible from a distance of at least 5 feet. This means a letter height of 0.16 to 0.33 inches, depending on the surroundings.

What Do Safety Tags Mean?

A proper safety tag includes two key elements to help convey its meaning:

Color

OSHA has specific requirements for the colors you choose for your tags. Using the right color is essential to communicate clear messaging to employees:

• Red: Danger tags, emergency instructions and safety cans
• Yellow: Caution tags, falling hazards and some containers for corrosive materials
• Orange: Warning tags, often used for equipment maintenance hazards
• Fluorescent orange-red: Biohazard tags for blood and other biosafety risks
• Black/white/yellow: Boundary tags, often with “Caution” in the label
• Green: Safety tags related to first aid equipment, eye protection and safety equipment locations
• Blue: Information tags with general info, such as notices

Major Message or Hazard Symbol

Every safety tag should have a signal word or easy-to-identify symbol, such as the biological hazard symbol, as well as a “major message” that indicates the specific hazardous condition or instruction to be communicated. Common major messages include:

• Do Not Operate
• Out of Order
• Electrical Hazard
• Do Not Enter
• Do Not Use

Status tags provide key information such as inventory levels or inspection records, or the status of an items such as gas cylinders, ladders and scaffolds, or other equipment.

When Should You Use Tags or Signs?

A tag isn’t meant to be a replacement for a warning sign. Tags are usually designed to be temporary to identify or address:

• Temporary risks: A tag can help you warn employees when a safety risk is temporary, such as a piece of equipment in an unusual location.
• Interim warnings: Until a permanent safety sign is in place, you need a tag to highlight risks.
• Ongoing monitoring: Tags can be a convenient way to keep inspection records close to the item you need to monitor, such as forklifts or pumps.

In other words, tags complement safety signs for a safer workplace.

How Can You Encourage Employees To Read Your Tags?

Creating an environment of workplace safety requires training. Walking your team through different scenarios can help them feel comfortable using different tags.

Safety Tag Resources:

• OSHA 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
• Using Lockout Tags to save lives
• Learn about Flap Tags for harsh environments
• Browse safety tags at ComplianceSigns.com

The post How To Read a Safety Tag appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

OSHA Form 300A Deadline is March 2

March 2 is the deadline for electronically reporting your OSHA Form 300A workplace injury and illness data for calendar year 2022. Post your 300A Summary at your workplace through April.
More Info

Resources for Ladder Safety Month

Falls from ladders cause 300 deaths and some 20,000 injuries each year. Ladder Safety Month in March aims to prevent ladder falls, and offers free resources to promote ladder safety in your workplace.
Learn More

Improve Workplace Safety Without Going Broke

Workplace safety programs don’t have to be costly. Check this post for seven approaches any business can adopt to reduce the risk of worker injuries without breaking the bank. 
Read More

5S: Tool Control Best Practices

Time wasted searching for a tool is a significant‌ ‌problem‌ ‌for‌ ‌many‌ ‌operations.‌ ‌Studies‌ ‌show‌ ‌that‌ ‌nearly‌ ‌20%‌ ‌of‌ ‌a‌ ‌worker’s‌ ‌day‌ ‌is‌ ‌spent‌ ‌on‌ ‌wasteful‌ ‌activities‌ ‌such‌ ‌as‌ ‌searching‌ ‌for‌ ‌tools.‌ But you can fix workplace tool control headaches with 5S. 
Learn How

Time to Review Your AED Program

February is American Heart Month – the perfect time to review or implement a workplace AED and CPR training program at your company. Why AEDs? Because 10,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in the workplace.
Learn More

Safety Tip: Industrial Trash Compactors

Industrial trash compactors offer many benefits, but as with most large machines, there are safety risks if workers aren’t trained and reminded to use them safely. Check these eight safety tips to keep your crew safe.
Learn More

News & Notes

OSHA construction advisory meeting on March 1
The public meeting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST in person and virtually. Hear updates about OSHA, the construction industry and the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, from May 1 to 5 this year. Get Details.

ASSP publishes third edition of Safety Professionals Handbook
The new, updated edition features learning objectives and review questions; case studies that reflect real-world experiences; updated references to OSHA regulations and consensus standards; and an appendix with formulas, computations and rules of thumb. Learn more.

SARA Title III: Tier 2 reports due March 1

If you retain hazardous substances in bulk quantities, you may need to file a Tier 2 report, providing information to local emergency responders on how to handle a spill or other emergency situation. Learn more.

Upcoming safety webinars presented by OH&S

• Mar. 1 – How to Reduce Hand Injures in Construction
• Mar. 8 – Safety Culture that Sticks
• Mar. 22 – Arc Flash Hazards and Prevention Strategies

Learn More or Sign Up

The post Top Safety News for February 2023 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Top 10 Disabling Workplace Injuries by Direct Cost to U.S. Businesses

1. Overexertion Involving Outside Sources – $12.63 billion – Related to lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying or throwing
2. Falls on the Same Level – $10.26 billion – Such as slipping on a wet floor
3. Struck by Object or Equipment – $5.66 billion – Such as an object falling from above
4. Falls to Lower Level – $5.07 billion – Most often, falls from a ladder or platform
5. Other Exertions or Bodily Reactions – $4.01 billion – Injuries from bending, twisting, reaching or similar
6. Roadway Incidents Involving Motorized Vehicles – $3.59 billion – Highway accidents are one example
7. Slip or Trip Without Fall – $2.52 billion – Trips on cords are common
8. Caught In or Compressed By Equipment – $2.19 billion – Getting caught in rollers or gears
9. Struck Against Object or Equipment – $1.87 Billion – Walking into an open drawer or door – Ouch!
10. Incidents Involving Off-road Vehicles / Equipment – $1.39 billion – Construction sites have plenty of hazards

Workplace Injury Costs by Industry

The Index also reports the causes and costs of the most serious workplace injuries for eight specific industries that account for a high proportion of all national workplace injuries. The industries with the five highest workplace injury costs were:

1. Construction – $11.3 billion
2. Manufacturing – $8.42 billion
3. Professional and Business Services – $7.60 billion
4. Healthcare and Social Assistance – $5.39 billion
5. Retail – $5.25 billion

2021 Workplace Injury Trends

In 2021, there were 2.2 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The incidence rate for total recordable cases (TRC) in private industry reached 2.3 per FTE worker.

Resources:

• Review the Liberty Mutual infographic on injuries at work.
• Review workplace injury and illness rates for 2021.
• Browse digital safety scoreboards that track safe working days.

The post Causes and Costs of the Top 10 Disabling Workplace Injuries appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

When you think about the variety of applications scaffolds are used for, would you ever question the safety or durability of them?  Sure hope your answer is yes! 

Although scaffolds are regularly used, they contribute to an estimated 9,000 injuries and 79 fatalities annually, per OSHA. Scaffold citations continue to soar to the Top 10 OSHA list.

No matter how safe or sturdy a scaffold may look, it can only support the weight capacity specified by the manufacturer. 

OSHA has very specific standards outlined in 29 CFR 1926.451 General Requirements for Scaffolding to protect workers. They require each scaffold or scaffolding component to be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load.

All scaffolds must be rated by the manufacturer to withstand the maximum load capacity. They determine the rating by the frame and cross-bracing design of the scaffold and its plank requirements.

Before a worker can consider walking on a scaffold, they must be properly trained by a qualified person. Training includes identification of electrocution, falls, and fall object hazards. A competent person has to inspect the scaffold before the work shift to ensure it’s safe for use.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the do’s and don’ts for scaffold safety, as noted by OSHA.

Do’s:

1. Do be mindful of coworkers working above and below
2. Do stay off scaffold during loading or unloading
3. Do replace guardrails after loading or unloading
4. Do use 3-point climbing
5. Do exit mobile scaffolds before moving 
6. Do always wear full protection to avoid accidents
7. Do follow OSHA standards for scaffold safety, including personal fall arrest system requirements.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t allow debris or materials to collect on scaffold
2. Don’t’ overreach outside the guardrails
3. Don’t stand on ties, guardrails, or extensions
4. Don’t overload the scaffold. Proper training includes being informed about the max intended load of the scaffold you’re working on, as well as its load-carrying capacities
5. Don’t use a scaffold if it appears to be damaged in any way
6. Don’t climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing
7. Don’t walk on scaffold planking covered in mud, water, snow, or ice

Regardless of the structural design of the scaffold, workers must be trained to recognize terms associated with capacity limits when working on scaffolds.

How can you visually protect workers?

• Use scaffold inspection tags to provide a detailed list of the safety requirements and who is allowed to use the structure
• Post weight limit signs and labels
• Use lockouts when a scaffold isn’t ready to be used
• Restrict access with barricades if the scaffold is unsafe and needs to be taken apart

In addition to these scaffold safety do’s and don’ts, using a guardrail on a scaffold is very critical in preventing falls. Nearly ¾ of the reported scaffold accidents are caused by improper guarding.

Guardrails are not required, however:

• When the front end of all platforms are less than 14 inches (36 centimeters) from the face of the work
• When outriggers scaffolds are 3 inches (8 centimeters) or less from the front edge
• When employees are plastering and lathing 18 inches (46 centimeters) or less from the edge.

Never assume the scaffold is safe. Always follow OSHA safety requirements and ensure a competent person inspects the integrity of the scaffold.

Scaffold Safety Resources:

• OSHA Scaffolding eTool
• OSHA Guide to Scaffold Use in Construction (pdf)
• Review a NIOSH report on preventing scaffold injuries and deaths
• Browse ladder and scaffold safety signs, tags and labels at ComplianceSigns.com

The post General Scaffold Safety Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

COPD Risk is Increased for Certain Industries and Occupations

Occupational exposures are important causes of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), contributing to an estimated 14% of all cases. NIOSH has identified 6 industries, 5 occupations and several occupational exposures with significantly elevated COPD risks. Read the Report

Respirator Selection Guide for the Construction Industry

This NIOSH fact sheet will help construction companies understand the basics of respirator selection. It provides companies a central resource for respirator selection recommendations specific to the construction industry. Download Here

What Is Kaizen? Guide to Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen is a business philosophy of continuous improvement of all functions and employees. Kaizen in manufacturing is gaining popularity due to its ability to improve quality and efficiency. It allows manufacturers to create a better product and a happier workplace. Learn More

Save Employee Lives: Embrace Lockout Tags

The first step to protecting your employees with a LOTO program is to understand OSHA’s guidelines. A recent post covers the basics of establishing an effective lockout/tagout program. Read More

Have You Seen the RuleBreakers?

Every workplace has that one employee who thinks the rules just don’t apply. We call them RuleBreakers. Sure, you can write them up, but what if the universe stepped in and took care of them for you? We’ve created a new series of short videos to show what might happen. Watch Now

SAFETY TIP:
Beware Workplace Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Every year hundreds of workers experience carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, especially during the winter months with closed buildings and increased use of furnaces, space heaters and generators. But you can take steps to help stop workplace carbon monoxide dangers. Learn More

News & Notes

Survey: Health and safety, compliance remain key concerns
EHS pros believe that a higher level of EHS and ESG maturity in their organizations can drive new business, attract the best workers, and overcome regulatory compliance hurdles, according to recent findings. Learn More

Complete guide to workplace safety signs
This extensive guide to workplace safety signs, their meanings, and best practices for use is designed to help you navigate the complex web of rules and regulations that govern their display. See the Guide

Does Your Team Use the NIOSH Ladder Safety App?

The free app provides user-friendly guides and interactive tools to prevent major causes of falls. Available for Android or iOS. Learn More

Upcoming Safety Webinars Presented by OH&S:

• Dec. 1 – Hearing protection: Noise reduction and more
• Dec. 7 – Injury and illness recordkeeping: FAQs and common violations
• Dec. 8 – Leveraging technology to reduce fall risk
• Jan. 11 – Meeting OSHA’s first aid requirements
• Learn More or Sign Up

Don’t Miss Out On Top Safety News:
Subscribe to the Connection Here

The post Top Safety News for November 2022 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Factors contributing to falls from ladders include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, the condition of the ladder (worn or damaged), the user’s age or physical condition and the user’s footwear.

Improper climbing posture creates user clumsiness that also leads to falls. That includes lifting one foot for balance while reaching too far to one side.

Three Points-of-Contact is Critical

When climbing a ladder, it is safest to utilize three points-of-contact to minimize the chance of slipping and falling from the ladder. At all times during ascent, descent and working, the climber must face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder steps, rungs and/or side rails.

Tips for Safely Climbing a Ladder

Here’s some instruction from the American Ladder Institute on preventing falls from ladders by using the recommended three-point-of-contact method of climbing:

• Wear slip-resistant shoes with heavy soles to prevent foot fatigue
• Clean the soles of shoes to maximize traction
• Use towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials so the climbers hands are free when climbing
• Climb slowly and deliberately while avoiding sudden movements
• Never attempt to move a ladder while standing on it
• Keep the center of your belt buckle (stomach) between the ladder side rails while climbing and working. Do not overreach or lean while working.

Following these tips will help a climber stay stable if one limb slips during the climb. Climbers should not carry any objects that can interfere with a firm grip on the ladder, or the three points-of-contact will be lost.

Learn more:

• Visit the American Ladder Institute.
• Visit the OSHA Ladder Safety site.
• Read construction fall-prevention safety tips.
• Browse Ladder and Scaffold safety signs.

The post Use Three Points-of-Contact to Reduce Falls from Ladders appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The 21,123 total citations among the Top 10 increased 5% from 2021, marking the first increase in year-over-year citations in several years. Hazard Communication showed the biggest increase (2,424 in 2022 vs. 1,947 in 2021). Even with that increase, HazCom citations are still well below the 2020 count of 3,199.

Although the 10 most-common citations represent the same standards as previous years, there was more movement in the list than in recent years. Fall Protection always tops the list, but HazCom moved up three positions from last year. Citations increased for six standards, compared to 2021 counts.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2022

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 5,260 violations (-0.7% vs. 2021)
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 2,424 violations (+24.5% vs. 2021)
3. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,185 violations (-13.5% vs. 2021)
4. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations (+5.8% vs. 2021)
5. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,058 violations (+5.6% vs. 2021)
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 1,977 violations (+16.4% vs. 2021)
7. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 1,749 violations (+23.2% vs. 2021)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 1,556 violations (-6.6% vs. 2021)
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,401 violations (-3.5% vs. 2021)
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,370 violations (+23.1% vs. 2021)

This list shows what OSHA has been watching, which makes it a good place to start when reviewing safety needs of your business or making a safety plan. Hazard Communication is clearly a new area of focus for OSHA inspectors.

For comparison, the 2021 Top 10 were:

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (29 CFR 1926.501): 5,295 violations
2. Respiratory Protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134): 2,527 violations
3. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053): 2,026
4. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451): 1,948 violations
5. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,947 violations
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (29 CFR 1910.147): 1,698 violations
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,666 violations
8. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102): 1,452 violations
9. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.178): 1,420 violations
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212): 1,113 violations

Additional Resources:

• Review the top 10 OSHA violations of 2019.
• Find OSHA safety signs quickly at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2022: Citation Numbers Increase appeared first on SafeWork Insider.