HRM420 Wk 4 - Apply Workplace Safety Plan Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material

Workplace Safety Plan Worksheet

OSHA has cited your company, Smith & Baker Construction Co. (SBCC), in the past year for violations. SBCC operates in three Western states: California, Arizona and Nevada. The violations were for the following accidents: Andrew fell into an open excavation in California, and the company failed to identify the hazard. Thomas fell from scaffolding during construction of a three-story office building in Arizona. Lindsay became ill from breathing toxic contamination as she walked the work site in Nevada.

Complete each question in no more than 175- words.

Andrew

Thomas

Lindsay

Identify OSHA regulations or standards applicable to each scenario.
OSHA regulation 1926.501 – Duty to have fall protection.
OSHA regulation 1926.451 (a) – scaffold and its component shall be capable supporting its own weight and four times its intended maximum load.
OSHA regulation 1926.21 sub-section 3 – employees shall be informed of potential hazards such as toxic substances and personal protective measures required.
Describe how the 3 OSHA regulations or standards apply to your company and how they were violated.
Being a construction company the organization failed to identify the potential hazard hence did not put in place protective measures to avoid such incidences.
The company should have ensured the safety measure recommended in the OSHA regulations were met. Scaffolds are dangerous areas and the organization failed to determine its capacity before and after installation.
Construction sites pose a threat as there is the use of toxic materials if inhaled such as dust. Lindsay lacked information about the toxic products being used at the time of her visit.
Describe ways to minimize the identified Safety Concerns.
Installation of fall protection systems such as guardrails to protect employees from unforeseen hazards such as manholes. Employees should also be allowed to work in such areas when safety has been guaranteed.
Reinforcing the scaffolds before work commences should be the first approach to protecting the employees from falling off.
Warning signs for hazardous materials should be installed when such works are in progress. Employees should also be trained on the need to have protective wear before entering such sites.
Explain one or two Workers’ Compensation issues as identified by the applicable State laws that you will need to address for each of the individuals.
The victim would have to prove that the injuries resulted from negligence by the institution. Compensation should therefore be made on the basis of the company having not acted per the regulations from OSHA.
There would be need to prove that the scaffold was not reinstated and that Thomas fell as a result of the scaffold failing to support his weight.
Proof of negligence by the organization by not erecting warning signs and or providing protective clothing to the employee would have to be indicated. Failure by the organization would require that Lindsay is compensated accordingly.
Describe ways to minimize the risk of employee injury in order to avoid future Workers’ Compensation claims.
Earmarking potential hazardous pitfalls and ensuring protective guardrails are in place. This is to help reduce cases of employee falls hence avoiding compensation claims.
Employees would be informed and cautioned to be on the lookout when trailing on the scaffolds. Also, reinforcing the scaffolds to meet safety standards would be recommended in future.
Site managers would be required to ensure proper signage of hazardous areas in addition to providing safety clothing to the employees. Employees would also be cautioned and reminded of the need to wear protective gear when visiting any site.
References