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Description

A U.S. worker dies as a result of a workplace injury every 2 hours. In 2011 alone, almost 4 million U.S. workers were injured on the job.   While the Workers' Compensation system was designed to provide financial support to those injured at work, many injuries are not the result of the employer's work practices, but rather other entities.  Workplaces, especially construction sites, can be very dangerous, requiring extensive safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of workers and pedestrians.  Sometimes workers choose not to follow the safety protocols.  OSHA's commonly cited General Duty Clause requires that employers provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards, however the next paragraph in the code is often forgotten:  "Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct." which places part of the responsibility of the employees to interact with their environment in a safe and responsible way.  Training and experience in Human Factors, specifically occupational safety and health, provides the foundation to investigate defective products, gross negligence or misconduct, or the actions of a third party on the worksite.