Top 10 OSHA Violations and How to Avoid Them
When you think about OSHA violations and safety regulations, you’re likely thinking about all the commonly recognized hazards. Respiratory protection, machine guarding, electrical safety, and other serious violations can all cause serious physical harm and lead to costly OSHA fines. But, every year, OSHA publishes a list of their most frequently cited standards, which can be used by owners to help them adhere to OSHA regulations and avoid unexpected safety violations.
The Most Common OSHA Violations
1. Accident Prevention Program
With 275 total OSHA citations, failure to develop a written safety and health plan was last year’s top violation. To avoid this citation, you must utilize a program that successfully trains new hires, identifies major hazards, defines PPE usage, allows employees to report unsafe conditions, and details site-specific emergency procedures.
2. First Aid Training
OSHA compliance requires you to train a person on your team to render first aid if your facility is not within ‘near proximity.’ You’re also required to have first-aid supplies readily accessible in the event of an emergency.
3. Written Hazard Communication Program
Consistently one of the most cited violations, this OSHA violation occurs when you fail to create a site-specific hazard communication document. Even if you do have one, you can be cited if it’s not comprehensive, or if it uses a generic template that isn’t specific to your site. Your document must include a list of hazardous chemicals on site, procedures for labeling containers, a catalog of safety data sheet availability, and procedures for training new employees on chemical safety.
4. Control of Hazardous Energy Sources
To ensure workplace safety, you must implement a program to ensure the service, maintenance, and safe operation of machinery that could harm workers by releasing stored energy. Failure to maintain this safety program could result in serious injury and dangerous safety hazards.
5. Recordkeeping – Electronic Submission
Every six months, employers are required to submit workplace injury and illness logs to OSHA. While this is considered an Other-Than-Serious violation, repeated violations can result in much more intrusive, in-depth audits of your operation.
Other Common Safety Violations
6. Fall Protection – General Requirements
7. PPE – Head Protection
8. Medical Services and First Aid – Eye Wash
9. PPE – Eye and Face Protection
10. Control of Hazardous Energy Sources – Training and Communication
Need Help With OSHA Inspections?
At BDN Industrial Hygiene Consultants, we’re serious about occupational safety. We’re familiar with all OSHA safety standards and can help you implement a safety program that keeps your employees safe and your operation on track. Whether you’re worried about chemical hazards, energy control procedures, or other safety violations, we’ll work to identify risks and avoid costly OSHA citations, so call us today to get your safety protocols in order!