With the end of the federal government’s fiscal year having ended on September 30, OSHA recently released the top ten violations for fiscal year 2019. Generally, this list does not change much from year to year with the top three violations tending to be fall protection, hazard communication, and scaffolding. OSHA noted that the violation data was through August 15, 2019 and not all violations had been added to its reporting system. But the order of the below list is not expected to change.
Overall Top Ten Violations for FY 2019
Fall Protection (Construction – 29 CFR 1926.501) Total of 6,010 violations. Frequently violated requirements under the fall protection standard includes failure to provide fall protection for unprotected edges and open sides in residential construction and failure to provide fall protection on low-slope roofs.
Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) Total of 3,671 violations. Common violated requirements include failure to have a written hazard communication program and failure to provide employee access to safety data sheets.
Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451) Total of 2,813 violations with the most frequent violations including improper access to surfaces and lack of guardrails.
Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) Total of 2,606 violations. Frequent violations include those regarding providing employee training and failure to conduct periodic inspections.
Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) Total of 2,450 violations. Typically, respiratory protection violations involve those for the failure to establish a written respiratory protection program and failure to provide medical evaluations.
Ladders (Construction – 29 CFR 1926.1053) Total of 2,345 violations with frequent violations including improper use of ladders, damaged ladders, and using the top step.
Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) Total of 2,093 violations. Typical violations include providing employee training and refresher training.
Fall Protection—Training (Construction – 29 CFR 1926.503) Total of 1,773 violations. Frequently cited conditions include failure to train employees in identifying fall hazards and proper use of fall protection equipment.
Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) Total of 1,743 violations with the most frequent for failure to guard points of operation.
Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) Total of 1,411 violations with frequent violations for failing to ensure employees use appropriate eye or face protection.