Understanding Workplace Safety: OSHA’s Impact and the Path Forward

When it comes to ensuring safe working conditions for workers, the inception of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stands as a cornerstone. With the mission of setting standards, enforcing regulations, and offering education and support, OSHA is an essential agency that ensures worker’s well-being, and has prevented countless work injuries and deaths.

A Journey of Progress

Over the last 50 years, OSHA has not only reduced workplace injuries and fatalities but also fostered a culture of workplace safety that has affect the lives of millions. Collaborating closely with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OSHA’s approach to implementing safety measures is grounded in the dynamic nature of workplace hazards. By incorporating the latest data on workplace injuries and fatalities, the agency tailors its safety recommendations that reflect the real-world challenges faced by workers across industries.

Measuring the Toll: Recovery Times and Fatal Causes

The impact of workplace injuries is not only measured in numbers of incidents, but also in the days that workers need to recover. The BLS highlights the varying recovery periods for different injuries, shedding light on the journey back to health on average ( outcomes vary depending on the individual of course):

• Multiple fractures and injuries: 48 days
• Fractures: 32 days
• Amputations: 31 days
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: 30 days
• Tendonitis: 14 days
• Strains, tears, and sprains: 11 days
• Multiple traumatic injuries: 9 days
• Soreness or pain: 8 days
• Multiple sprains with injuries: 7 days
• Contusions and bruises: 5 days
• Heat burns: 5 days
• Lacerations, punctures, and cuts: 4 days
• Chemical burns: 3 days
  

Facing Fatalities: A Glimpse into Workplace Risks

Workplace fatalities underscore the pressing need for continuous vigilance for safety at the workplace by OSHA. For example, in 2018, the leading causes of death in the workplace were:

• Transportation accidents: 2,080 fatalities
• Violence and other injuries caused by persons or animals: 828 fatalities
• Falls, slips, and trips: 792 fatalities
• Contact with objects and equipment: 786 fatalities
• Exposure to harmful chemicals or environments: 621 fatalities
• Fires and explosions: 115 fatalities

Occupations at the Crossroads

Certain occupations carry a higher than average risk, with fatalities per 100,000 as follows:

• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting: 23.4
• Transportation and warehousing: 14
• Construction: 9.5
• Wholesale trade: 5.3
• Professional and business services: 3.3
  

Addressing the Vulnerabilities: OSHA’s Insights

OSHA’s ongoing analysis pinpoints employer violations contributing to job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities as follows:

• Poor fall protection
• Poor hazard communication standards
• Poor respiratory protection
• Unsafe scaffolding
• Unsafe ladders
• Failure to control hazardous energy
• Poor fall protection training
• Poor eye and face protection
• Unsafe machinery
• Poor machine guarding
• Improper use of powered industrial trucks
  

Navigating the Road to Recovery

For those who are injured in the workplace, the workers’ compensation claims process can be challenging. Unfortunately, the more serious the injury, the more complex the claims processing usually is, including making certain the cause of the injuries is carefully investigated. Obtaining prompt and effective medical treatment, getting specialists authorized and assuring your disability benefits are paid as they should be sometimes require the assistance of an attorney who handles workers’ compensation claims.

When you decide an attorney is necessary

Choosing a competent work injury lawyer in Orange County can be critical in securing the benefits you are legitimately entitle to. With over 30 years of experience, connect with attorney Thomas F. Martin to have your potential claims reviewed free of charge. Mr. Martin can be reached at 714-547-5025.