Where is OSHA concentrating inspections?
Answer: In the industries where they found numerous violations previously.
That’s why it’s important to know the top 10 most cited OSHA violations and which industries receive inspector visits as a result.
Here is a review of the top 10 list, along with how many violations (from Oct. 1, 2018 to Aug. 15, 2019), the most affected industries and what OSHA inspectors are seeing other companies doing wrong:
1. Fall Protection General Requirements- (1926.501), 6,010 violations
This is the ninth year in a row this Construction standard has had the most OSHA violations. OSHA Deputy Director for its Enforcement Directorate, Patrick Kapust, says unprotected sides or edges, fall protection for sloped roofs and workers not being protected from falling through a roof via structures like skylights are some primary places where employers are missing the mark. Among those most cited: roofing contractors, masonry contractors, and commercial and home builders.
2. Hazard Communication – (1910.1200), 3,671 violations
Problems that come up the most: No HAZCOM program, no worker training on HAZCOM and lack of safety data sheets (SDSs). Employers most cited: masonry contractors, painting and wall covering contractors, machine shops and general contractors.
3. Scaffolding- (1926.451), 2,813 violations
Where companies are going wrong: Using cross-braces as scaffold access, not fully planking, scaffolds not on firm foundations and no guardrails. Employers most cited: masonry contractors, roofing contractors and commercial builders.
4. Lockout/tagout- (1910.147), 2,606 violations
Companies cited don’t have LOTO rules for specific machines, employees aren’t trained, there’s no periodic evaluation of the program and LOTO devices aren’t affixed. Among industries most cited: product manufacturing and sawmills.
5. Respiratory protection- (1910.134), 2,450 violations
Companies aren’t providing employees with a medical evaluation before they use respirators, they don’t have a respiratory protection program and employees don’t receive a fit test. Most cited: Auto maintenance, masonry contractors, cut stone contractors and painting and wall covering contractors.
6. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Employers must set up the workplace to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated workstations or into holes in the floor and walls.
7. Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
Determining the best way to protect workers from injury largely depends on the type of truck operated and the worksite where it is being used. Employers must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1).
8. Fall Protection–Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
OSHA requires employers to:
Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers.
Keep floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition.
Select and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
Train workers about job hazards in a language that they can understand.
9. Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212)
Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled.
10. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.
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