OSHA recently released their statistics for the “Top 10” most frequently cited safety violations during 2020. Knowing these “Top 10” violations should assist you in analyzing your own operations to ensure they are in continued compliance. We highly recommend this analysis takes place in the near future, so you can keep your associates and customers safe, and avoid any big fines from OSHA (see two examples below).
The Top 10 safety violations and the top hazard(s) cited for each violation are:
#1 Fall Protection – General
Failure to provide adequate fall protection (sides & holes).
#2 Hazard Communication
Failure to develop/maintain written Haz Comm Program & Training.
#3 Respiratory Protection
Failure to evaluate need/use of respirator, and written program.
#4 Scaffolding
Failure to provide adequate fall protection & support.
#5 Ladders
Failure of ladder side rails and used only for designed purpose.
#6 Lockout/Tagout
Failure to develop/maintain/comply written Energy Control Program.
#7 Powered Industrial Trucks
Failure to operate safely and ensure operator competency and training.
#8 Fall Protection – Training
Failure to provide and train employees exposed to fall hazards.
#9 Personal Protective Eye/Face
Failure to ensure affected employees use correct eye & face protection.
#10 Machine Guarding
Failure to provide proper machine guarding.
The penalties OSHA assesses for failure to adhere to the above and other safe workplace practices can be significant, especially if there are repeat and willful violations. Two examples:
A discount retail chain was assessed $523,745 in penalties/fines following a complaint. Major citations:
. 3 repeat, and 2 willful violations
. Obstructed Exit routes
. Obstructed electrical panels
. Unstable stacks of merchandise
. Overstocked materials creating struck-by risks
A discount retail chain was assessed $477,089 in penalties/fines following a complaint. Major citations:
. 3 willful, 2 repeat and 1 other-than-serious violations
. Blocked and unmarked exit routes
. Obstructed and unmaintained fire extinguishers
. Unstable stacked merchandise
. Blocked electrical panels
Let’s all make this a safe year! $
