OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations For 2018

OSHA recently released their 2018  statistics for the “Top 10” most frequently cited violations.  We have documented these below and listed the top hazards for each violation which affect our readership.

#1 Fall Protection – General Requirements: Standard 1926.501: 7,216 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to provide adequate fall protection (sides)

. Failure to provide adequate fall protection (holes)

 

#2 Hazard Communication: Standard 1910.1200: 4,537 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to develop and maintain a written Haz Comm Program

. Failure to conduct and maintain proper Haz Comm training

. Failure to maintain and make available Safety Data Sheets

 

#3 Scaffolding: Standard 1926.451: 3,319 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to provide adequate fall protection

. Failure to provide adequate support

 

#4 Respiratory Protection: Standard 1910.134: 3,112 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to provide medical evaluations to determine need/use of respirator

. Failure to develop and maintain a written respiratory program

. Failure to perform annual fit testing

 

#5 Lockout/Tagout: Standard 1910.347: 2,923 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to develop and maintain a written Lockout/Tagout Program

. Failure to periodically inspect the control procedures

. Lack of employee training and communication

 

#6 Ladders: Standard 1926.1053: 2,780 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to extend ladder side rails at least 3 feet above landing surface

. Using ladders for purposes other than for which they were designed

. Using top step of ladder as a step

. Failure to mark defective ladders with a “Do Not Use” notification

 

#7 Powered Industrial Trucks: Standard 9101.178: 2,281 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to ensure operator competency (unsafe operation)

. Failure to ensure required refresher training and evaluations every 3 years

. Failure to remove unsafe trucks from operation

 

#8 Fall Protection – Training Requirements: Standard 1926.503: 1,978 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to provide training to each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards

. Failure to document required training

 

#9 Machine Guarding: Standard 1910.212: 1,969 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to provide proper machine guarding

. Failure to anchor fixed machinery

. Failure to guard exposed blades

 

#10 Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye & Face Protection: Standard 1926.102: 1,528 Violations

Top Sections Cited:

. Failure to ensure affected employees use appropriate eye & face protection

. Failure to ensure eye & face protection meets standards

 

The penalties OSHA assesses for failure to adhere to safe workplace practices, which put workers at risk, can be significant, especially if there are repeat violations.

Two examples:

1) A supermarket chain was assessed with $505,929 in penalties/fines following a planned inspection of 3 locations. Major citations noted were:

. 14 repeat, serious and other-than-serious violations.

. Blocked exit routes

. blades without safety guards

. Lack of sufficient eyewash stations

. Failure to provide workers with training and Safety Data Sheets on exposure to hazardous occupational chemicals.

2) A facility was assessed with $435,6790 in penalties/fines following a complaint.  Major citations included:

. 19 serious, willful and other-than-serious violation over two inspections.

. Blocked emergency exits

. Hazardous work conditions

. Exposed worker to excessive noise levels with no hearing conservation program

. Use of machines with improper guarding

. Failure to control hazardous energy

. Failure to train powered industrial truck operators

Knowing OSHA’s ‘Top 10′ Most Cited Violations should assist you in analyzing your own operations to ensure they are in compliance. We highly recommend this analysis take place in the very near future, so you can have a safe and successful 2019!

Editor’s Note: If you have questions concerning OSHA violations or in creating a pro-active Safety Program to address OSHA’s requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us at (813) 991-5628 or visit our website at www.hayesinternational.com. $

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