Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023 | And how to prevent similar citations.

Summary

In 2023, the top OSHA violations revealed critical safety lapses, with fall protection violations leading the way at 7,271 cases. Other significant violations included hazard communication, ladder safety, and machine guarding, highlighting the need for better training and equipment protocols across industries. Key sectors such as construction, roofing, and warehousing faced the most citations. Employers can prevent these issues by implementing comprehensive safety training, maintaining equipment, and adhering to safety standards. The video emphasizes the importance of workplace safety and provides resources for further learning and compliance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The largest OSHA penalty in 2023 was $2.8 million, highlighting the importance of workplace safety compliance.
• 😀 Machine guarding violations ranked number 10, with 1,644 violations primarily in machine shops and metalworking industries.
• 😀 Personal protective equipment (PPE) violations, specifically eye protection, were significant in the construction industry with 274 reported violations.
• 😀 Fall protection training requirements had 2,112 violations, emphasizing the need for adequate training programs for employees exposed to falls.
• 😀 Respiratory protection violations totaled 2,481, often due to lack of medical evaluations and fit testing, particularly affecting auto body and masonry sectors.
• 😀 Lockout/tagout violations were serious, with 2,554 instances, indicating the critical need for written procedures and training to manage hazardous energy.
• 😀 Powered industrial truck (forklift) violations reached 2,561, primarily due to unsafe operations and lack of refresher training for operators.
• 😀 Scaffolding violations were high, totaling 2,859, mainly due to inadequate fall protection for workers on scaffolds above 10 feet.
• 😀 Ladders had 2,978 violations, with many related to improper use and inadequate safety measures, particularly in construction.
• 😀 The hazard communication standard was cited 3,212 times, often due to insufficient written programs and training regarding chemical hazards.

Q & A

What was the largest OSHA penalty issued in 2023?

$2.8 million.

What are the top violations by OSHA for 2023?

The top violations include fall protection violations, hazard communication, ladder violations, scaffolding, powered industrial trucks (forklifts), lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, fall protection training requirements, personal protective equipment (PPE), and machine guarding.

Why are machine guarding violations significant?

Machine guarding violations are significant because they protect workers' fingers and limbs from dangerous machinery, with 1,644 violations reported in 2023.

What specific PPE violation was most commonly cited?

The most commonly cited PPE violation involved employees not wearing safety glasses when required, with 234 such violations in the construction industry.

What was the main issue associated with fall protection training violations?

The main issue was the lack of a training program for employees exposed to falls, leading to 2,112 violations in the construction sector.

What are the key requirements for respiratory protection compliance?

Employers must provide medical evaluations, conduct fit testing, and maintain a written respiratory protection program, as highlighted by the 2,481 violations in 2023.

How many violations were associated with lockout/tagout procedures?

There were 2,554 violations related to lockout/tagout procedures, often due to insufficient written procedures and training.

Which industries were most affected by the top OSHA violations?

Industries such as construction, including roofing, framing, masonry, and manufacturing sectors like machine shops and auto body shops were most affected.

What was the primary issue with ladder violations?

The primary issue was that portable ladder side rails did not extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface, accounting for 1,800 of the 2,978 ladder violations.

What steps can employers take to prevent these violations in 2024?

Employers can prevent violations by prioritizing safety training programs, ensuring proper equipment maintenance, providing necessary personal protective equipment, and regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols.