Understanding OSHA’s Top 10 Violations: A Guide to Safer Workplaces

As workplace safety continues to be a paramount concern for businesses across industries, staying informed about common safety violations can help companies mitigate risks and protect their employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) annually publishes a list of the top 10 most frequently cited violations. This list serves as a critical reminder of the areas that require increased vigilance and proactive measures. Here’s an overview of OSHA’s top 10 violations, why they occur, and how to prevent them.

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Violations typically involve inadequate fall protection on roofs, open sides, and edges. Ensuring proper use of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems is crucial.

Prevention Tips:

- Conduct regular safety training on fall protection.

- Implement comprehensive fall prevention plans.

- Ensure the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Standard: 1926.501 Total violations: 7,271 Fiscal Year 2022 ranking: 1 (5,980 violations)

This standard outline where fall protection is required, which systems are appropriate for given situations, the proper construction and installation of safety systems, and the proper supervision of employees to prevent falls. It’s designed to protect employees on walking-working surfaces (horizontal or vertical) with an unprotected side or edge above 6 feet.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1926.501(b)(13): Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. – 5,087 violations
2. 1926.501(b)(1): Each employee on a walking-working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge that is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. – 931
3. 1926.501(b)(10): Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems; safety net systems; personal fall arrest systems; or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. – 543
4. 1926.501(b)(11): Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toe boards, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. – 318
5. 1926.501(b)(4): “Holes.” – 169

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

Workers have the right to know about the hazardous chemicals they are exposed to. Violations often occur due to inadequate labeling and failure to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Prevention Tips:

- Maintain an updated inventory of hazardous chemicals.

- Ensure all containers are properly labeled.

- Provide employees with access to SDS and conduct regular training sessions.

Standard: 1910.1200 Total violations: 3,213 Fiscal Year 2022 ranking: 2 (2,682 violations)

These standard addresses chemical hazards – both for chemicals produced in the workplace and those imported into the workplace. It also governs the communication of those hazards to workers.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1910.1200(e)(1): Employers shall develop, implement and maintain at each workplace a written hazard communication program that at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g) and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, Safety Data Sheets, and employee information and training will be met. – 1,136 violations
2. 1910.1200(h)(1): Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and Safety Data Sheets. – 843
3. 1910.1200(g)(8): The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous chemical and shall ensure they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s). – 363
4. 1910.1200(f)(6): Workplace labeling. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked. – 315
5. 1910.1200(g)(1): Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a Safety Data Sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use. – 252

3. Ladders (1926.1053)

Ladder-related accidents are prevalent, especially in construction. Violations often involve improper use and faulty equipment.

Prevention Tips:

- Inspect ladders regularly for defects.

- Ensure ladders are used correctly and for their intended purpose.

- Provide training on ladder safety.

Standard: 1926.1053 Total violations: 2,978 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 3 (2,471 violations)

This standard covers general requirements for all ladders.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1926.1053(b)(1): When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder’s length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grab rail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support. – 1,852 violations
2. 1926.1053(b)(4): Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. – 310
3. 1926.1053(b)(13): The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. – 286
4. 1926.1053(b)(22): An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. – 92
5. 926.1053(b)(16): Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps; broken or split rails; corroded components; or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. – 86

4. Scaffolding (1926.451)

Scaffolding violations can result in severe injuries from falls or collapses. Issues include lack of guardrails and improper access to scaffold platforms.

Prevention Tips:

- Conduct thorough inspections of scaffolding before use.

- Ensure scaffolding is erected and dismantled by competent personnel.

- Provide proper fall protection and access points.

Standard: 1926.451 Total violations: 2,859 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 5 (2,285 violations)

This standard covers general safety requirements for scaffolding, which should be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Employers are bound to protect construction workers from falls and falling objects while working on or near scaffolding at heights of 10 feet or higher.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1926.451(g)(1): Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level. – 813 violations
2. 1926.451(e)(1): When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access, portable ladders; hook-on ladders; attachable ladders; stair towers (scaffold stairways/towers); stairway-type ladders (such as ladder stands); ramps; walkways; integral prefabricated scaffold access; or direct access from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist or similar surface shall be used. Cross braces shall not be used as a means of access. – 372
3. 1926.451(b)(1): Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports. – 357
4. 1926.451(c)(2): Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills or other adequate firm foundation. – 324
5. 1926.451(g)(4): Guardrail systems installed to meet the requirements of this section shall comply with the following provisions (guardrail systems built in accordance with Appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet the requirements of paragraphs (g)(4)(vii), (viii) and (ix) of this section). – 190

5. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)

Improper operation of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks can cause significant accidents. Violations include lack of operator training and unsafe driving practices.

Prevention Tips:

- Certify all forklift operators through proper training programs.

- Conduct regular equipment inspections and maintenance.

- Implement safe driving practices and enforce speed limits.

Standard: 1910.178 Total violations: 2,561 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 7 (1,922 violations)

This standard covers the design, maintenance and operation of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and motorized hand trucks. It also covers operator training requirements.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1910.178(l)(1): Safe operation. – 606 violations
2. 1910.178(l)(4): Refresher training and evaluation. – 336
3. 1910.178(l)(6): The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation. – 309
4. 1910.178(q)(7): Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Such examination shall be made at least daily. Where industrial trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall be examined after each shift. Defects when found shall be immediately reported and corrected. – 178
5. 1910.178(p)(1): If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition. – 173

6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)

Failure to control hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities can lead to serious injuries. Violations often involve inadequate procedures and failure to train employees.

Prevention Tips:

- Develop and implement a comprehensive lockout/tagout program.

- Ensure all employees are trained on proper procedures.

- Regularly review and update lockout/tagout protocols.

Standard: 1910.147 Total violations: 2,554 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 6 (2,175 violations)

This standard outline minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1910.147(c)(4): Energy control procedure. – 730 violations
2. 1910.147(c)(7): Training and communication. – 491
3. 1910.147(c)(6): Periodic inspection. – 362
4. 1910.147(c)(1): The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative. – 265
5. 1910.147(d): Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence: – 231

7. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)

Improper use of respiratory protection can lead to serious health issues. Common violations include failure to implement a respiratory protection program and inadequate fit testing.

Prevention Tips:

- Develop and maintain a respiratory protection program.

- Perform regular fit testing and medical evaluations.

- Train employees on proper use and maintenance of respiratory equipment.

Standard: 1910.134 Total violations: 2,481 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 4 (2,430 violations)

This standard directs employers on establishing or maintaining a respiratory protection program. It lists requirements for program administration; worksite-specific procedures; respirator selection; employee training; fit testing; medical evaluation; respirator use; and respirator cleaning, maintenance and repair.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1910.134(e)(1): The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit-tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee’s medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator. – 505 violations
2. 1910.134(f)(2): The employer shall ensure an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit-tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used and at least annually thereafter. – 359
3. 1910.134(c)(1): In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer shall establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect those changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use. – 358
4. 1910.134(c)(2): Where respirator use is not required. – 244
5. 1910.134(g)(1): Facepiece seal protection. – 132

8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)

Inadequate training on fall protection measures is a common issue. Workers need to understand how to use fall protection systems correctly.

Prevention Tips:

- Provide comprehensive fall protection training programs.

- Conduct periodic refresher courses.

- Ensure training is documented and easily accessible.

Standard: 1926.503 Total violations: 2,112 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 8 (1,778 violations)

These standard addresses training requirements for employers in regard to fall protection.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1926.503(a)(1): The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards. – 1,458 violations
2. 1926.503(b)(1): The employer shall verify compliance with paragraph (a) of this section by preparing a written certification record. The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the employer determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date of actual training. – 406
3. 1926.503(a)(2): The employer shall ensure each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person. – 145
4. 1926.503(c)(3): Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill. – 89
5. 1926.503(c): “Retraining.” When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee. – 12

9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)

Exposure to flying particles, chemical splashes, or harmful light radiation can result in eye and face injuries. Violations often involve failure to provide adequate PPE.

Prevention Tips:

- Assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate eye and face protection.

- Ensure PPE fits properly and is regularly maintained.

- Train employees on the correct use of PPE.

Standard: 1926.102 Total violations: 2,074 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 9 (1,582 violations)

These standard addresses appropriate personal protective equipment for workers exposed to eye or face hazards, such as flying particles and chemical gases or vapors.

SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1926.102(a)(1): The employer shall ensure each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. – 2,034 violations
2. 1926.102(a)(2): The employer shall ensure each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g., clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable. – 32
3. 1926.102(b)(1): Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards: – 6
4. 1926.102(a)(3): The employer shall ensure each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses. – 2

10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)

Unguarded machinery poses significant risks of injury. Common violations include lack of guards on moving parts and improper safeguarding methods.

Prevention Tips:

- Install and maintain guards on all hazardous machinery parts.

- Regularly inspect and service machine guards.

- Educate employees on the importance of machine guarding and safe operation practices.

Standard: 1910.212 Total violations: 1,644 Fiscal year 2022 ranking: 10 (1,488 violations)

These standard covers guarding of machinery to protect operators and other employees from hazards, including those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

TOP 5 SECTIONS CITED:

1. 1910.212(a)(1): Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. – 1,089 violations
2. 1910.212(a)(3): Point of operation guarding. – 402
3. 1910.212(a)(2): General requirements for machine guards. Guards shall be affixed to the machine where possible and secured elsewhere if for any reason attachment to the machine is not possible. The guard shall be such that it does not offer an accident hazard in itself. – 60
4. 1910.212(b): Anchoring fixed machinery. Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving. – 57
5. 1910.212(a)(4): Barrels, containers and drums. Revolving drums, barrels and containers shall be guarded by an enclosure that is interlocked with the drive mechanism, so that the barrel, drum or container cannot revolve unless the guard enclosure is in place. – 13

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these common OSHA violations can greatly enhance workplace safety and prevent injuries. By fostering a culture of safety, providing thorough training, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, businesses can protect their most valuable asset: their employees. Let’s commit to creating safer workplaces for everyone.

*Tables based on OSHA Information System data from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2022. Data was current as of Oct. 14.

Top 10 standards cited as “serious,” fiscal year 2023

OSHA defines a “serious” violation as “one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.”

Top 10 standards cited as “willful,” fiscal year 2023

OSHA defines a “willful” violation as one “committed with an intentional disregard of or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and requirements.”

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