OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of the Year

Words: Justus Everett
Photos: Malta Dynamics, Non-Stop Scaffolding

In the construction and general industry fields, there are quite a number of dangers within the various work environments. This, of course, makes perfect sense when you consider the number of variables one must deal with daily. It is only logical when you handle heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, acids, saws, major heights, and more, that there would be dangers. However, this is where OSHA comes in. OSHA is specialized in making sure that all workers are as safe as possible; they are concerned with the health and lives of the common worker. OSHA smartly releases the top 10 most cited violations of the year to ensure workers and their superiors focus on these violations to protect workers from common hazards. We will go through the top 10 violations to provide a good look at them so you can have a watchful eye going into the new year.

OSHA Top 10 Citations:

Fall Protection—General Requirements (1926.501): 6,307 violations
Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,888 violations
Ladders (1926.1053): 2,573 violations
Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,470 violations
Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,443 violations
Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,248 violations
Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 2,050 violations
Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,873 violations
Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,814 violations
Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,541 violations

Fall Protection

Fall protection is the most violated safety regulation, with over 6,000 violations in a year. It applies to both construction and general industry. The rule of thumb is if you feel caged in, you're safe. Whether you're on a scaffold or a lift, you must be completely boxed in. All safety rails must be installed. On a scaffold, all braces, single rails, end-gates, and side arms must be installed. On a lift, you must be tied off and the gate closed.

Hazard Communication

Hazard communication ensures workers understand chemical risks. This includes providing SDS documents and conducting JSAs. For example, workers using acid to clean masonry must be aware of the potential for skin burns. Hazard communication is crucial for worker safety.

Ladders

Up and down, that’s the only way you can use a ladder, right? However, with 2,573 violations between October 1, 2023, and September 5, 2024, this is a more significant issue than most think. Let’s go through the basics of ladder use. First of all, use the ladder the way it was designed. For example, don’t lean an A-frame against a wall and then climb it; that’s not how it was intended to be used. Secondly, ensure that the ladder isn’t damaged. If there are cracks or broken parts, then don’t use it. Third, don’t stand on the tippy top of the ladder. Lastly, don’t lean too far out on a ladder.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is essential to safeguard your long-term health and breathing ability. Common workplace hazards like silica, chemicals, and gases necessitate the use of respirators, dust masks, and other protective equipment.

Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout is one of those things that some people think is not a big deal, but when it goes wrong, it can be horrible. It is specifically for electrical work, where the electrician will padlock the breaker box once the power is off. This is done so that no one can turn the power back on while the electrician is still working.

Powered Industrial Trucks

Vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of death in the world, and when the truck weighs several tons, they’re even more dangerous. And when you add a pair of giant forks to the front, things can get messy quickly. Only operators who’ve been licensed may operate them, and all others must be on constant watch for them.

Fall Protection – Training Requirements

Workers must always be trained before getting on any scaffold or lift. Fall protection is not something you can just skip; one mistake with fall protection can result in death. New workers must always be trained on fall protection, the dangers to look out for, and how to handle themselves safely on a scaffold.

Scaffolding

As said above, to be safe on a scaffold, all fall protections must be in place. However, there is more to a scaffold than just fall protection. Scaffolds must be level and plumb; if in the dirt, they must have mud sills. Ladders must be in place, and every scaffold must meet the manufacturer’s design.

Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection

PPE is one of the most overlooked violations out there. There are many who do not like wearing glasses because they fog up or gloves because they have better grip and feel with their hand. However, PPE is meant to protect in very specific ways, and it is important that each piece is worn correctly. Everyone must wear a hardhat, both gloves, glasses, and protective boots. Your glasses must not be down the bridge of your nose or on your forehead. On the scaffold, a harness and lanyard is required, and on the saw, hearing and face protection is also required.

Machine Guarding

All machines must be completely put together, including all guards. Things like saws and mixers must have each part according to the manufacturer. If a guard or any part is missing, then it cannot be used whatsoever.

Conclusion

OSHA's top 10 list highlights the most violated workplace safety standards. This list helps raise awareness of potential dangers, but it's not exhaustive. Worker safety is paramount, and vigilance beyond these listed items is crucial.

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of the Year

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