Construction sites across New England are bustling with activity, deadlines, and constant pressure to deliver quality work. But with the pace of modern building, safety can quickly fall to the sidelines. That’s where OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) steps in. Every year, OSHA reports its top safety violations, and year after year, the same hazards dominate the list.
For New England contractors, ignoring these violations is not just a risk to your workers, it can also cost you contracts, slow down projects, and bring heavy fines. Let’s break down the most common OSHA violations in construction and explore how your company can avoid them.
The Most Frequent OSHA Violations in Construction
1. Fall Protection
Falls remain the number one cause of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. OSHA’s fall protection standard consistently ranks at the very top of violation lists. This includes failures to provide guardrails, fall arrest systems, or adequate training for employees working at heights.
2. Scaffolding
Improper scaffolding setup and lack of inspections often lead to citations. Issues range from unsecured platforms to missing guardrails, all of which put workers at serious risk.
3. Ladder Safety
Simple equipment like ladders still causes major headaches. Misuse, damaged ladders, or failure to provide the right ladder for the job are all common violations.
4. Hazard Communication
OSHA requires that all hazardous materials (chemicals, paints, solvents) be properly labeled and documented with Safety Data Sheets. Failure to train employees on handling these materials also leads to frequent citations.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
From hard hats to eye protection, PPE is often overlooked or inconsistently enforced on jobsites. OSHA holds employers responsible for ensuring proper PPE use.
How to Avoid OSHA Violations in New England
Staying compliant with OSHA standards takes more than a toolbox talk. It requires a proactive approach to safety. Here’s how Parker Safety Group helps construction companies across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island stay ahead:
- Jobsite Safety Inspections: Identifying potential OSHA violations before they happen.
- Customized Safety Training: Tailored sessions to get your crews up to speed with OSHA requirements.
- Pre-Project Planning: Reviewing projects before work begins to anticipate safety risks.
- Subcontractor Vetting: Ensuring everyone on your site follows the same safety culture.
- Part-Time Safety Officer Services: Acting as your on-call safety resource without the cost of a full-time hire.
Why It Matters
Avoiding OSHA violations is not just about steering clear of fines. It’s about protecting workers, maintaining productivity, and building a reputation as a contractor who delivers safely and on time. In New England’s competitive construction market, that reputation sets you apart.
Work With Parker Safety Group
Parker Safety Group is your trusted safety consulting partner in New England. Whether you need help with OSHA compliance, training, or project safety planning, we act as your part-time safety officer helping you prevent problems before they shut down your jobsite.
Ready to protect your team and your business? Contact Parker Safety Group today.