2019 OSHA Top 10 Cited Safety Violations
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The following top 10 most cited violations are the result of all workplace safety inspections that occurred throughout the United States for fiscal year 2019. This list could be used as a tool for business to help reassess their safety programs and identify opportunities for improvement. While there is no guarantee that the trends will continue on through the next year, as happened from 2017 to 2018, it can serve as a guide for companies looking to improve their safety programs.
Breakdown of all 2019 top 10 OSHA Cited Safety Violations
Topping the 2019 list is Fall Protection (construction) (OSHA Standards – Duty to have fall protection 29 CFR 1926.501 ) The total number of violations – 6,010.
Second on the list is Hazard Communication (OSHA Standards – Hazard Communication 29 CFR 1910.1200 ) there was an decrease in citations from the previous year of 881. This group deals with properly reporting/documentation of all toxic and hazardous substances either produced or imported. It goes on to instruct the process to properly have the information conveyed to employees.
The third highest citation was Scaffolds (OSHA Standards – General requirements 29 CFR 1926.451 ) there was an decrease in the number citations from the previous year of 523.
The fourth highest citation with an decrease in citations of 338 over 2018, is Lockout/Tagout (OSHA Standards – The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) 29 CFR 1910.147 ) It’s important to note that this section establishes the minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy. The section address the unexpected energizing/startup of equipment or machines and/or release of stored energy. Not following these rules could result in the injury of employees.
Fifth on the list is Respiratory Protection (OSHA Standards – Respiratory Protection 29 CFR 1910.134 ) This section applies to General Industry, Shipyards, Marine Terminals, Long-shoring, and Construction. Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. The number of citations went down 668 from previous year.
Top 10 OSHA Cited Safety Violations (continued)
The sixth highest citation on the list is Ladders (OSHA Standards – Ladders 29 CFR 1926.1053 ) The following requirements apply to all ladders as indicated, including job-made ladders. The number of citations went down from 2,812 in 2018 to 2,345 in .
The seventh spot which also went down from 2018 is Powered Industrial Trucks (PITS) (OSHA Standards – Powered Industrial Trucks 29 CFR 1910.178 ) There was a decrease from 2018 of 2,294 down to 2,093 in 2019 citations. Hopefully this trend will continue on in the coming years.
The eighth highest citation on the list is Fall Protection (construction) (OSHA Standards – Training requirements 29 CFR 1926.503 ). 1,773 violations. Citations were issued for those businesses that failed to provide training to those individuals that are required to receive such training. Some additional reasons for citations included improper documentation, and a poorly designed/implemented training program leading to a loss of retention by trainee.
Ninth on the list is Machine Guarding (OSHA Standards – General requirements for all machines 29 CFR 1910.212 ) There was an decrease from 2018 of 229 violations. 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, in going nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are-barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices,electronic safety devices, etc.
Tenth on the list is Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment (construction)—Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) This violation was new for 2018 and shows up again in 2019 with 1,400 violations.
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