This past September the top 10 most frequently cited
workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2019 were released by OSHA. It is common knowledge that the rankings for the top 10 generally do not vary much from year to year. This does not mean the list is irrelevant or unimportant.
Each violation that occurred is a reminder of the hazards employees face on a daily basis when they clock in for work. And each violation that occurred most likely resulted in an injury of some type, maybe even death! The list serves as a reminder there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of all U.S. workers. As you read through the list, let it ignite a desire to expect better and to be proactive where safety is concerned as a company, as an employer, and as an employee.
OSHA’s Top 10 most cited workplace safety violations
Fall Protection (1926.501) leads the list again for the
ninth consecutive year with over 6,000 violations. Moving up a spot is
Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) from number five last year to number four. It
switched places with Respiratory Protection (1910.134) which is down to number
five. Here is the complete list:
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) with 6,010 violations
- Hazard Communication (1910.1200) with 3,671 violations
- Scaffolding (1926.451) with 2,813 violations
- Lockout / Tagout (1910.147) with 2,606 violations
- Respiratory Protection (1910.134) with 2,450 violations
- Ladders (1926.1053) with 2,345 violations
- Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) with 2,093 violations
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) with 1,773 violations
- Machine Guarding (1910.212) with 1,743 violations
- PPE – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) with 1,411 violations
As responsible employers, we must do our best to ensure the safety and health of our employees. Keep these topics in mind as you think through your safety training schedule for 2020. How can you mitigate risks? How can you ensure your employees understand the material?