When developing or updating your Safety Program, a good start would be to review OSHA’s “Top 10” most frequently cited safety violations (2022s are listed below). These issues should be promptly reviewed with your team regarding how they impact your operations, and then include them in your Safety Program. Lack of compliance to OSHA regulations can result in large fines (see two examples below), so Safety Program components should be audited monthly to ensure full and ongoing compliance.
The Top 10 safety violations and the top hazard(s) cited for each:
#1 Fall Protection – General
Failure to provide adequate fall protection (sides & holes).
#2 Hazard Communication
Failure to develop/maintain written Haz Comm Program & Training; and lack of proper labeling.
#3 Ladders
Failure of ladder side rails; used only for designed purpose; and top of ladder not used as step.
#4 Respiratory Protection
Failure to evaluate need/use of respirator; lack of fit tests & proper usage; and missing written program.
#5 Scaffolding
Failure to provide adequate fall protection, guardrails and support.
#6 Lockout/Tagout
Failure to develop, train, maintain and comply with a written Energy Control Program.
#7 Powered Industrial Trucks
Failure to operate units safely; and lack of refresher training, evaluations; and daily inspections.
#8 Fall Protection – Training
Failure to provide and train employees exposed to fall hazards; and lack of training documentation.
#9 Personal Protection: Eye/Face
Failure to ensure affected employees use correct eye & face protection.
#10 Machine Guarding
Failure to provide proper machine guarding and anchoring.
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:
An auto parts seller was assessed over $1.2 million in penalties and fines following an OSHA inspection. Major citations:
. 26 serious, 6 willful, 1 repeat violation
. Inadequate safeguards to protect workers after machine startup
. Willful failure to develop and implement lockout/tagout and machine guarding processes
A discount retail chain was assessed over $680,000 in penalties/fines following a complaint. Major citations:
. 4 willful and 1 repeat violation
. Unsafe walking-working surfaces
. Unstable stacks of merchandise
. Blocked or obstructed exit routes, fire extinguishers and electrical panels
Let’s all make this upcoming holiday season a safe one! $
