People in New Jersey who work in auto body shops should be aware that hazard communication and respiratory protection are the two main reasons the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issue citations to their facilities. Respiratory protection and hazard communication were to the two most frequently cited violations from October 2016 to September 2017.
According to the respiratory protection standard issued by OSHA, employers are required to have a written respiratory protection program that incorporates fit testing and employee training. They are also required to determine if a worker can wear a respirator by providing a medical evaluation.
In addition to respiratory protection and hazard communication, collision repair facilities were also cited by OSHA for other violations from October 2016 to September 2017. They included violations related to spray finishing with flammable and combustible materials, powered industrial trucks and flammable and combustible liquids.
Other common issues and hazards that are detected by OSHA inspectors in automotive repair and maintenance work areas include isocyanates, noise, chemical usage and personal protective equipment. There are also paint booths, asbestos, silica and methylene chloride. Collision repair owners and employees can find the complete list of frequent citations on OSHA’s website. The website allows visitors to view the most frequently cited OSHA standards by the North American Industrial Classification System code by which a company is classified.
An attorney who practices workers compensation law may assist clients who have sustained some form of injury from working at an unsafe job site. Clients who sustain permanent disabilities, occupational diseases, toxic exposure, repetitive stress injuries and more due to OSHA violations in the workplace may be advised to claim workers compensation benefits for medical expenses or to replace lost wages. The attorney may also assist with appealing benefit claims that are denied.