Top Cited OSHA Violations
Each year, thousands of safety and health violations are reported to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), but some are much more common than others. Compiled from approximately 32,000 inspections completed by OSHA staff, these breaches can cause serious injuries and even death.
Top 10 Cited OSHA Violations of 2016
1. Fall Protection
2. Hazard Communication
3. Scaffolds
4. Respiratory Protection
5. Lockout/Tagout
6. Powered Industrial Trucks
7. Ladders
8. Machine Guarding
9. Electrical Wiring
10. Electrical, General Requirements
Top OSHA Violations Rarely Change
When sharing the list of top 2016 violations, OSHA noted that offenses typically remain the same year after year. More than 4,500 workers are killed on the job each year and roughly 3 million sustain injuries, according to the agency.
Clearly, many employers aren’t taking their legal duty to provide safe and healthy worksites seriously. Echoing this sentiment, OSHA revealed its belief that the number of worker deaths, amputations and hospitalizations would see a major drop if all employers followed safety precautions required by law.
Perhaps by sharing this list, OSHA will raise awareness about commonly cited violations, and their potentially fatal impact. All 10 issues highlighted on the list are preventable. Not only that — OSHA has specific guidelines to help employers safely navigate each hazard.
OSHA Steps Up Worksite Safety Awareness
The agency’s regulations include minimum safety requirements, but OSHA wants employers to do more. Creating a culture that promotes safety is highly encouraged, as OSHA notes it has been proven to lower costs, boost productivity, and increase morale.
As a way to encourage employers to step it up, OSHA released new recommendations for creating a worksite safety and health program. Plenty of additional resources are available for free on the OSHA website. The agency also offers a complimentary, confidential On-site Consultation Program, providing employers with a wealth of options.
The MAC Incorporated blog is your quick and easy resource to keep up with the latest news and information from OSHA. If you share our niche-based recruiting and staffing firm’s commitment to worksite safety, contact us to connect with industry-leading engineering, maintenance, and operations management professionals ready to get to work!
