Workplace safety is a critical component of any successful business. Ensuring a safe working environment is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one. OSHA violations can result in severe consequences, both in terms of financial penalties and the well-being of employees.

Here, we will explore the top 10 OSHA violations for 2023 and provide insights on how to avoid them, enhancing safety and compliance within your organization.

What Are OSHA Violations?

OSHA violations occur when an employer fails to adhere to established safety and health regulations. These violations range from minor infractions to serious hazards that could result in severe injury or death. OSHA categorizes violations into six types:

• De minimis: Minor infractions with no direct impact on health or safety.
• Other-than-serious: Infractions that affect safety and health but are unlikely to cause serious harm.
• Failure to abate: Not correcting a previously cited violation.
• Serious: Violations with a high probability of causing serious harm or death.
• Willful: Deliberate disregard for the law.
• Repeated: Recurrent violations of the same standard.

By understanding and addressing these types of violations, businesses can foster a safer work environment and ensure compliance with OSHA standards.

Quick List of the top 10 Cited OSHA Violations

1. Fall Protection
2. Hazard Communication
3. Ladder Safety
4. Scaffold Safety
5. Forklift and Industrial Truck Safety
6. Lockout/Tagout Procedures
7. Respiratory Protection
8. Fall Protection Training
9. Eye and Face Protection
10. Machine Guarding

Top 10 Cited OSHA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations not only safeguards your employees but also fortifies the stability and reputation of your business. The following are the top 10 OSHA violations for 2023 and practical tips on how to avoid them.

Fall Protection -  7,271 violations last year

Falls are one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths. Common violations include the absence of guardrails, floor hole covers, and safety nets. Ensuring proper fall protection is crucial to safeguarding employees working at heights.

OSHA's fall protection requirements aim to prevent injuries and fatalities by ensuring that employees working at heights are protected. Employers must install guardrails and toe-boards on elevated platforms, around floor holes, and near dangerous machinery.

When guardrails are not feasible, personal fall arrest systems such as safety harnesses and safety nets must be provided. Keeping walking and working surfaces clean and dry, and regularly inspecting and maintaining all protective measures, are also essential components of effective fall protection. Regular employee training on fall hazards and proper use of equipment is vital to maintaining a safe work environment.

How to Avoid Dangerous Falls in the Workplace:

• Install Guardrails and Toe-boards: Use these on elevated platforms, around floor holes, and near dangerous machinery.
• Cover All Floor Holes: This prevents accidental falls.
• Use Safety Harnesses and Fall Arrest Systems: Implement additional safety measures like safety nets and handrails when necessary.

Regularly inspect these protective measures to ensure they are in good condition and used correctly by all employees.

Hazard Communication - 3213 violations last year

Proper labeling and communication about hazardous chemicals are essential for worker safety. Violations often occur due to inadequate labeling and lack of employee training, leading to potential exposure to dangerous substances.

OSHA's hazard communication standards ensure that all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled and that safety data sheets are accessible to workers.

Employers must implement a written hazard communication program, provide training on handling hazardous substances, and ensure that employees understand the risks and safety measures associated with these chemicals. Regular updates and reviews of safety protocols are essential to maintaining a safe workplace.

How to Avoid Chemical Exposure in the Workplace:

• Label All Chemicals: Clearly label hazardous chemicals and provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible to all employees.
• Train Employees: Conduct regular training on how to handle chemicals safely and understand the labeling system.
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equip workers with appropriate PPE such as masks and gloves.

By keeping employees informed and trained, you reduce the risk of chemical exposure and related health issues.

Ladder Safety - 2978 violations last year

Misuse of ladders is a common cause of workplace injuries. Violations include using damaged ladders and not securing them properly, leading to potential falls.

OSHA's ladder safety standards require employers to ensure ladders are in good condition, properly maintained, and used correctly. Ladders must support the intended load, be placed on stable surfaces, and have slip-resistant steps.

Employees should be trained on proper ladder use, including maintaining three points of contact and avoiding carrying heavy loads while climbing. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to prevent accidents.

How to Avoid Ladder-Related Injuries in the Workplace:

• Inspect Ladders Regularly: Check ladders for damage before each use.
• Stable Surfaces: Ensure ladders are used on stable, level surfaces.
• Training: Train employees on safe ladder use, including maintaining three points of contact.

By promoting proper ladder use, you can minimize the risk of falls and related injuries.

Scaffold Safety - 2859 violations last year

Scaffolding accidents can result in serious injuries. Common issues include improper setup and lack of fall protection, making scaffolding safety a top priority in construction and maintenance work.

OSHA's scaffold safety standards require employers to ensure scaffolds are properly constructed and maintained. Scaffolds must support their weight plus four times the maximum intended load, have guardrails, and be equipped with stable platforms. Workers should be trained on safe scaffold use, including proper assembly and disassembly techniques. Regular inspections are essential to identify and correct any hazards.

How to Avoid Scaffolding Accidents:

• Ensure Proper Setup: Use guardrails, cross bracing, and proper planking.
• Stable Grounding: Erect scaffolds on stable, level ground.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect scaffolding regularly for damage and stability issues.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of scaffolding-related accidents.

Powered and Industrial Truck Safety - 2561 violations last year

OSHA's powered and industrial truck safety standards require employers to ensure that forklifts and other industrial trucks are operated safely.

This includes providing proper training for operators, conducting regular maintenance and inspections, and ensuring that trucks are equipped with necessary safety devices. Operators must follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits and using seat belts. Properly maintained equipment and trained personnel are crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring workplace safety.

Forklifts and other industrial trucks pose significant hazards if not operated correctly. Ensuring safe operation and maintenance is critical to avoid accidents.

How to Avoid Forklift Accidents in the Workplace:

• Training Program: Implement a comprehensive training program for all forklift operators.
• Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance and inspections of industrial trucks.
• Safe Operating Procedures: Establish and enforce safe operating procedures, including speed limits and load capacities.

By following these practices, you can reduce the risk of accidents involving powered industrial trucks.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures - 2554 violations last year

OSHA's lockout/tagout standards require employers to implement procedures to control hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing of machines.

This includes using lockout devices to isolate energy sources and placing tags to indicate that the equipment should not be operated. Employers must provide training to ensure employees understand the procedures and the importance of using lockout/tagout devices. Regular inspections and enforcement of these procedures are crucial to preventing accidental equipment start-ups and ensuring worker safety.

Improper lockout/tagout procedures can result in accidental machinery startup, leading to severe injuries. Ensuring machines are properly shut off during maintenance is crucial for worker safety.

How to Avoid Accidental Machinery Startups:

• Develop a Lockout/Tagout Program: Create and implement a program that isolates hazardous energy sources before maintenance or repair work.
• Employee Training: Train employees on lockout/tagout procedures and the importance of compliance.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits and updates of the procedures to ensure effectiveness and compliance.

Effective lockout/tagout procedures are essential to prevent accidental machinery activation and related injuries.

Respiratory Protection - 2481 violations last year

OSHA's respiratory protection standards require employers to provide appropriate respirators to employees exposed to harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Employers must implement a written respiratory protection program, including proper respirator selection, fit testing, employee training, and regular maintenance.

Ensuring that respirators are used correctly and consistently is essential for protecting workers from respiratory hazards. Regular program evaluations and updates are also necessary to maintain effectiveness.

Inadequate respiratory protection can lead to serious health issues. Violations often involve improper respirator fit and lack of a respiratory protection program, which can expose workers to harmful airborne contaminants.

How to Avoid Respiratory Hazards:

• Implement a Respiratory Protection Program: Develop and enforce a comprehensive program that includes proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators.
• Fit Testing: Conduct proper fit testing to ensure respirators provide effective protection.
• Training: Regularly train employees on the correct use of respiratory equipment and the hazards they protect against.

Proper respiratory protection practices are vital in environments with hazardous airborne substances.

Fall Protection Training - 2112 violations last year

OSHA's fall protection training standards require employers to provide comprehensive training for employees exposed to fall hazards.

This training must enable employees to recognize fall hazards and understand the correct procedures to minimize these risks. Training should cover the use of fall protection systems, proper equipment handling, and safe work practices. Regular refresher courses and updates to training programs are essential to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

Employers must train employees on fall protection measures. Violations occur when training is inadequate or not provided, leaving workers vulnerable to fall hazards.

How to Avoid Falls Through Effective Training:

• Develop a Training Program: Create a fall protection training program that covers hazard recognition and safe practices.
• Regular Refresher Courses: Provide ongoing training to keep safety practices top-of-mind.
• Documentation: Maintain records of all training sessions and participant acknowledgments.

Comprehensive training ensures employees are prepared to recognize and mitigate fall hazards.

Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment — Eye and Face Protection -  2074 violations last year

OSHA's standards for eye and face protection require employers to provide appropriate protective equipment to employees exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, chemicals, acids, gases, vapors, or harmful light radiation.

Employers must ensure that the equipment fits properly, is maintained in good condition, and is used correctly. Training on the proper use and care of eye and face protection is essential to prevent injuries and ensure worker safety. Regular inspections and replacements of damaged equipment are also necessary to maintain protection.

Eye and face injuries can be prevented with proper protective equipment. Common violations include not providing or maintaining adequate protection, putting workers at risk.

How to Avoid Eye and Face Injuries in the Workplace:

• Provide Protective Equipment: Equip workers with appropriate eye and face protection based on the hazards present.
• Ensure Proper Fit: Conduct fit testing to ensure protective equipment functions correctly.
• Regular Maintenance: Maintain and replace protective equipment as needed.

Proper eye and face protection is essential to prevent injuries from chemical, environmental, or mechanical hazards.

Machine Guarding - 1644 violations last year

OSHA's machine guarding standards require employers to provide appropriate guards on machinery to protect workers from hazards such as rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks. Guards must be securely attached and prevent contact with dangerous parts of the machinery.

Employers should ensure that guards are properly maintained and used consistently. Training employees on the correct use of machine guards and the importance of not removing or bypassing them is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining a safe work environment. Regular inspections and maintenance of guards are also necessary to ensure their effectiveness.

Inadequate machine guarding can lead to severe injuries from moving parts. Violations include missing or improperly installed guards, exposing workers to significant risk.

How to Avoid Machinery-Related Injuries:

• Install Guards: Place guards on all machines with moving parts that could cause injury.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect machine guards regularly to ensure they are in place and functional.
• Training: Train employees on the hazards and safe operation of machinery.

Effective machine guarding is critical to protecting workers from mechanical hazards.

OSHA Fines and Penalties

OSHA enforces workplace safety standards by issuing fines and penalties to employers who fail to comply with regulations. The severity of the violation determines the amount of the fine. Here are some common categories of OSHA fines:

Types of OSHA Violations and Fines

OSHA categorizes violations into three classes, each with its own severity level and corresponding maximum penalty (as of January 16, 2024):

• Other-Than-Serious Violations: These violations involve minor deviations from safety standards that have a low likelihood of causing serious injury or illness. The maximum penalty for an other-than-serious violation is $16,131.
• Serious Violations: These violations involve a substantial probability of causing serious injury or illness, but they are not imminent dangers. The maximum penalty for a serious violation is also $16,131.
• Willful or Repeated Violations: These violations occur when an employer knowingly fails to comply with OSHA standards, has previously been cited for the same violation, or should have known about the hazard due to the nature of their business. The maximum penalty for a willful or repeated violation is a whopping $161,323.

Need Help? Look into OSHA Compliance Assistance

OSHA offers free compliance assistance through the On-Site Consultation Program and provides robust outreach and education programs via compliance assistance specialists in most of its 85 Area Offices.

Understanding these fines underscores the importance of workplace safety and compliance to avoid significant financial and legal repercussions. Regular audits, employee training, and proactive safety measures are key to minimizing OSHA violations.

Avoid Fines With The Help of AllVoices

AllVoices provides a platform for employees to anonymously report safety concerns and potential violations, helping companies stay compliant with OSHA regulations.

By encouraging open communication and proactive identification of hazards, AllVoices enables employers to address issues before they lead to costly fines and ensure a safer, more compliant workplace.

Comprehensive List of OSHA Violations

Here is a comprehensive list of OSHA violations that employers should be aware of to maintain a safe workplace and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Each violation includes a brief explanation for easy understanding.

General Safety and Health Violations

Below is a list of common general safety and health violations that employers need to address to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations:

• Fall Protection (1926.501): Ensuring measures are in place to prevent workers from falling from heights. OSHA Fall Protection Standards
• Hazard Communication (1910.1200): Properly labeling and communicating information about hazardous chemicals. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
• Ladder Safety (1926.1053): Ensuring ladders are safe and used correctly to prevent falls. OSHA Ladder Safety Standards
• Scaffold Safety (1926.451): Properly setting up and maintaining scaffolding to prevent falls and collapses. OSHA Scaffolding Standards
• Forklift and Industrial Truck Safety (1910.178): Ensuring safe operation and maintenance of forklifts and other industrial trucks. OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks Standard
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures (1910.147): Controlling hazardous energy during machinery maintenance to prevent accidental startups. OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
• Respiratory Protection (1910.134): Providing appropriate respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of harmful substances. OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
• Fall Protection Training (1926.503): Training employees on fall protection measures to prevent falls. OSHA Fall Protection Training Requirements
• Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): Providing protective equipment to prevent eye and face injuries. OSHA Eye and Face Protection Standards
• Machine Guarding (1910.212): Installing guards on machines to protect workers from moving parts. OSHA Machine Guarding Standards

Electrical and Machinery Safety

Here are some of the most common violations related to electrical and machinery safety:

• Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305): Ensuring proper wiring methods to prevent electrical hazards. OSHA Electrical Wiring Methods
• Machine Guarding – Point of Operation (1910.212(a)(3)(ii)): Guarding points where machines perform work to prevent injuries. OSHA Machine Guarding Standards (see section (a)(3)(ii) for point of operation)
• Electrical – General Requirements (1910.303): Ensuring electrical systems are safe and compliant with regulations. OSHA Electrical General Requirements

• Walking/Working Surfaces (1910.22): Keeping walking and working surfaces clean and safe to prevent slips, trips, and falls. OSHA Walking and Working Surfaces Standards
• it Routes and Emergency Planning (1910.36-37): Maintaining clear exit routes and emergency plans for safe evacuations. OSHA Exit Routes and Emergency Planning Standards
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (1910.132): Providing and maintaining necessary protective equipment for workers. OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards
• General Industry – Fire Protection (1910.157): Ensuring fire protection equipment is available and functional. OSHA Fire Protection Standards
• Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms (1910.66): Ensuring safety measures for elevated work platforms. OSHA Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms Standards
• General Industry – Sanitation (1910.141): Maintaining sanitary workplace conditions. OSHA Sanitation Standards
• First Aid and Medical Services (1910.151): Providing access to first aid and medical services. OSHA Medical and First Aid Standards

Construction-Specific Violations

Below are some of the most frequent safety violations encountered in the construction industry:

• Steel Erection (1926.760): Ensuring safety during steel erection processes. OSHA Steel Erection Standards
• Cranes and Derricks in Construction (1926.1400): Safely operating cranes and derricks in construction. OSHA Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standards
• Concrete and Masonry Construction (1926.700): Ensuring safe practices in concrete and masonry work. OSHA Concrete and Masonry Construction Standards
• Welding and Cutting (1926.350): Safely performing welding and cutting tasks. OSHA Welding and Cutting Standards
• General Safety and Health Provisions (1926.20): Meeting general safety and health requirements in construction. OSHA General Safety and Health Provisions for Construction
• Lead in Construction (1926.62): Protecting workers from lead exposure. OSHA Lead in Construction Standards
• Asbestos (1926.1101): Managing asbestos safely to prevent exposure. OSHA Asbestos Standards
• Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (1926.21): Adhering to general safety and health regulations in construction. OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

This section focuses on construction-specific safety regulations, but it's important to remember that general industry standards (1910.xxx) also apply to construction workplaces.

Industry-Specific Violations

OSHA has regulations in place to address safety and health hazards in various industries. Here are some of the most commonly cited industry-specific violations:

• Maritime Industry:
• • Longshoring (1918.21): Ensuring safety in longshoring operations. OSHA Maritime Longshoring Standards
• Shipyard Employment:
• • Shipyard Employment (1915.112): Maintaining safety standards in shipyards. OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards
• Agriculture:
• • Field Sanitation (1928.110): Providing sanitary facilities for agricultural workers. OSHA Agriculture Field Sanitation Standards
  • Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) (1928.51): Installing protective structures on agricultural equipment. OSHA Agriculture Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) Standards
• Healthcare:
• • Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.1030): Preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens in healthcare settings. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards
  • Tuberculosis (1910.134): Protecting healthcare workers from tuberculosis exposure. OSHA Tuberculosis Standards

By adhering to these industry-specific standards, employers can create safer workplaces and reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Chemical and Environmental Violations

Here's a list of some common OSHA standards that can help employers create safer workplaces and reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses:

• Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (1910.119): Managing highly hazardous chemicals safely. OSHA Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) (1910.120): Safely handling hazardous waste and responding to emergencies. OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) [invalid URL removed]
• Toxic and Hazardous Substances (1910.1000): Controlling exposure to toxic and hazardous substances. OSHA Toxic and Hazardous Substances Standards
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids (1910.106): Safely storing and handling flammable and combustible liquids. OSHA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standards
• Hazardous Energy Control (Lockout/Tagout) (1910.147): Controlling hazardous energy sources to prevent accidental releases. OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
• Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia (1910.111): Safely storing and handling anhydrous ammonia. OSHA Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia Standards
• Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (1910.1450): Managing chemical exposure in laboratory settings. OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standards
• Ethylene Oxide (1910.1047): Controlling exposure to ethylene oxide. OSHA Ethylene Oxide Standards

Recordkeeping and Reporting Violations

• Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (1904): Keeping accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (300): Maintaining a log of work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Annual Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (300A): Summarizing annual work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Incident Reporting (301): Reporting workplace incidents accurately and promptly.

Miscellaneous Violations

• Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): Ensuring safe operation of powered industrial trucks (forklifts) by properly training operators and maintaining the vehicles. OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks Standard
• Aerial Lifts (1926.453): Safely using aerial lifts in construction settings, including proper inspection and training for operators. OSHA Aerial Lifts Standards
• Confined Spaces (1910.146): Managing work in confined spaces safely, following procedures for testing atmospheres, providing proper ventilation, and using appropriate personal protective equipment. OSHA Confined Spaces Standards
• Ergonomics (1910.900): Implementing ergonomic practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
• General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act): Ensuring a workplace free from recognized hazards.

By understanding and addressing these potential violations, employers can create a safer work environment, prevent accidents, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Regular training, inspections, and a proactive approach to safety are essential for maintaining a safe and productive workplace.

Use AllVoices to Be Proactive and Avoid Violations

In addition to following OSHA regulations and addressing potential violations, employers can also utilize AllVoices to proactively address workplace incidents.

AllVoices is a confidential reporting platform that allows employees to report any concerns or potential violations anonymously. This empowers employees to speak up about safety hazards or other issues without fear of retaliation.