# data[].attributes.body
If OSHA finds that a business is in violation of a workplace safety law, the company will face significant fines. Some of the most common violations involve scaffolding, fall protection, hazard communication, respiratory protection, ladders, and faulty electrical wiring.

Reference:
Human Resource Management. (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries.

# data[].attributes.body
OSHA provides oversight of organizations by setting regulations and laws. These include:
- Regulations on walking surfaces
- Exit plans and evacuation routes
- Noise exposure
- Handling of hazardous materials
- The use of protective equipment for eyes, face, and breathing
- Sanitation
- First aid supplies requirement
- Requirement for fire equipment
- Standards for power tools and machine guards
- Electrical standards
- Requirements for commercial diving operations.

Reference:
Human Resource Management. (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries.

# data[].attributes.body
Certain companies offer incentives for employees to not get injured or take time off for work-related injuries. This seems like an effective approach to encourage safety compliance, but studies have also shown that employees often do not report or are even hesitant to report injuries while working out of fear of reprisals or termination. Also, employees will sometimes use private health insurance rather than company insurance to treat medical issues in relation to work-related injuries

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout my research I have also learned that mental health can also be a factor that can cause accidents and sickness at work. Bullying can cause distress and can lead to sickness. This article focuses on the type of factors that many people forget to mention.

Reference: Nielsen, M. B., Christensen, J. O., Finne, L. B., & Knardahl, S. (2019). Workplace bullying, mental distress, and sickness absence: The protective role of social support.International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, doi:10.1007/s00420-019-01463-y

# data[].attributes.body
There are many alternatives to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses, but this book explains that training programs and proper sanitation procedures are the main source to cut off any dangers.

Reference: White, J. (2018;2019;). Health and safety management: An alternative approach to reducing accidents, injury and illness at work (1st ed.). Milton: CRC Press. doi:10.1201/b22392

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most important insights into safety is on page 396 where it says "it occurs by creating an environment
in which people can recognize hazards and have the authority and ability to fix them". Top down safety constricts enforcement and bottlenecks the bureaucracy. Enabling everyone means more hands on enforcement and implementation of policy. All hands means a larger safety monitoring footprint for the whole company.

# data[].attributes.body
Stress is both a good and bad health concern. Good stress increases productivity, but it must be monitored before it turns into bad stress. Bad stress can snowball into further health complications that increase health insurance costs and employee turnover. HR departments would be wise to monitor stress for the employees sake but also for the business's sake.

# data[].attributes.body
OSHA enforces safety regulations. They issue heavy fines for violations. Even with hefty fines, some companies do not listen as was the case of Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products. Some companies are willing to gamble with severe employee injury and the resulting legal ramifications I guess.

# data[].attributes.body
Can being too safe lead to reduced efficiency and productiveness due to increased bureaucratic overhead and time spent micro managing safety requirements? Is there a line where something can be too safe? Should there be a fine balance between safety and employee wellness and production efficiency and capability?

# data[].attributes.body
Working with an impairment, whether physical or mental, can increase the likelihood of future injuries and illnesses to an employee or co-workers. Working while stressed or sick can enable carelessness.

# data[].attributes.body
Is it reasonable to expect that not 100% of employees will avoid possible injury or illness even if all the proper precautions are taken and procedures are followed? If so, even though it sounds terrible, can it reasonably be accepted for a corporation to use the statistical likelihood of an accident or illness as a defense in case of liability?

# data[].attributes.body
What is the extent of responsibility or corporate liability for an accident due to employee complacency, if the proper warnings, equipment and documentation was posted.

# data[].attributes.body
Having the wrong warning signs or out of date warning signs indicators could lead someone to making a decision based on incorrect or out dated information.

# data[].attributes.body
Often times a business will have policies in place designed to mitigate accidents. State and federal laws also cover regulations for many areas of potential accidents. If someone is complacent then they think they can get away with skirting the rules or only putting so much effort into something. Complacency is also not caring about the rules because they may be too cumbersome.

# data[].attributes.body
Can illness and injury prevention programs drastically reduce sickness within employees?

# data[].attributes.body
What kind of programs are most helpful to prevent accidents and illnesses?

# data[].attributes.body
How many people are involved when an accident occurs? And who makes the final call on the severity of the situation?

# data[].attributes.body
Improper handling of hazardous materials or not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is another common cause of accidents in the workplace. By reading material safety data sheets and providing the appropriate protective attire, many workplace incidents can be avoided.

# data[].attributes.body
Accidents Job security, finances, health issues and anxiety about personal relationships all factor into the stress equation. When an employee's mind is too distracted by real or perceived threats, he is not only more likely to make mistakes that could cause injury but also invites an increased risk of a heart attack, stroke or hypertension.

# data[].attributes.body
Failing to take a break is another common cause of accidents. In order to recover from grueling manual labor, it is essential that employees take adequate breaks. Not doing so can lead to a slew of physical issues, including atrophy and general exhaustion.

# data[].attributes.body
Federal, state, and local laws - how the different laws differ and compare at various levels of government.
Industries - the process of determining what safety laws apply to a specific company.
Incorporation - the process of process implementation in order to comply with regulations.

# data[].attributes.body
Employees - Knowing and following company policies, reporting unsafe conditions.
Employers - Adhering to applicable laws, providing training and safe working conditions.
Government - passing legislation to enforce safe working environments

# data[].attributes.body
How does OSHA provide oversight?
What are penalties for violations?

# data[].attributes.body
Hazardous Materials
Slipping & Falling
Falling Objects