OSHA's hiring increase in inspectors led to a notable uptick in workplace violations for 2023. At the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress and Expo in October 2023, OSHA released preliminary data and the list of the 10 most frequently cited standards for October 1, 2022 through September 29, 2023. While the numbers of violations increased and the order changed, the makeup of the 10 standards remained unchanged from 2022. Learn the offenders, take steps to keep your facility from contributing to the list and keep your workers safe.

1. 01

   Fall Protection

   Standard 1926.501

   7,271 Violations
   
   ›

   Fall protection tips:

   • Post safety signs to warn of danger or hazards
   • Keep absorption products readily accessible to clean up spills immediately
   • Use handrails, safety nets and other protective devices
   • Keep ladder rungs, feet and steps clean and dry and observe load limit

2. 02

   Hazard Communication

   Standard 1910.1200

   3,213 Violations
   
   ›

   Chemical safety tips:

   • Maintain a master chemical list using SDS binders or chemical database software
   • Use proper labeling or bring GHS label printing in-house
   • Train employees about chemical safety
   • Learn the standard and maintain a written hazard communication program

3. 03

   Ladders

   Standard 1926.1053

   2,978 Violations
   
   ›

   Ladder safety tips:

   • Position ladders on a stable, level surface
   • Use three points of contact
   • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder
   • Keep maintenance regular and recorded with ladder inspection tags

4. 04

   Scaffolding

   Standard 1926.451

   2,859 Violations
   
   ›

   Scaffolding safety tips:

   • Ensure scaffold deck is fully floored, level and can support its intended load
   • Use fall protection devices, such as guardrails, toeboards, screens and netting
   • Maintain regular inspections and training
   • Identify key safety and compliance information via scaffold tags

5. 05

   Forklifts and Powered Industrial Trucks

   Standard 1910.178

   2,561 Violations
   
   ›

   Powered industrial trucks safety tips:

   • Wear seatbelts
   • Never exceed the rated load and do not raise or lower the load while traveling
   • Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges
   • Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas
   • Lock out forklifts during service and repair
   • Post signs to warn of forklift traffic and directions
   • Use floor tape to mark aisles and passageways and keep them clear of hazards
   • Read this article on heavy equipment safety for more tips on heavy machinery safety

6. 06

   Lockout Tagout

   Standard 1910.147

   2,554 Violations
   
   ›

   Lockout tagout safety tips:

   • Develop and document a LOTO program and policy
   • Write machine- or task-specific lockout tagout procedures
   • Identify and mark energy isolation points
   • Conduct LOTO training
   • Provide proper lockout tagout devices and safety padlocks
   • Sustain your program and procedures

7. 07

   Respiratory Protection

   Standard 1910.134

   2,481 Violations
   
   ›

   Respirator safety tips:

   • Post signs to warn of danger or respirator-required areas
   • Have a written program in place
   • Provide the correct respirators, training, fit testing and medical evaluations
   • Ensure proper care, maintenance and use of respirators

8. 08

   Fall Protection Training

   Standard 1926.503

   2,112 Violations
   
   ›

   OSHA’s Fall Prevention Training Guide gives tips for how to conduct trainings, called “Toolbox Talks,” including to keep them:

   • Short – Each Toolbox Talk should last approximately 5 to 10 minutes
   • Participatory – Allow workers to ask questions and discuss the topic
   • Easy to follow – Avoid jargon, confusing and irrelevant topics or instructions

9. 09

   Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment

   Standard 1926.102

   2,074 Violations
   
   ›

   Eye and face protection safety tips:

   • Ensure eyewear fits properly and is designed for the specific hazard
   • Eyeglass wearers should have safety equipment that fits over glasses
   • Clean and disinfect eyewear before storage
   • Use face shields with protective eyewear
   • Remind employees when PPE is needed with PPE signs

10. 10

    Machine Guarding

    Standard 1910.212

    1,601 Violations
    
    ›

    Machine guarding safety tips:

    • Keep employees informed with machine operation signs
    • Don’t adjust or remove guards without proper authorization
    • Ensure machine guards are in place before starting machinery
    • Train employees to recognize incomplete, ineffective or missing machine guards
    • Ensure minor servicing procedures are up to date

1. 1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) – 7,271 Violations

   Fall protection tops the list for the 13th year in a row, and it’s for good reason. Falls continue to be a leading cause of workplace accidents and deaths. In 2020, just over one-third of the deaths (353) in the construction industry were due to falls, slips, and trips, and were almost entirely from falls to a lower level, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standard 1926.501 is designed to protect employees on walking or working surfaces with an unprotected side or edge above 6 feet.

   Fall protection tips:

   • Post safety signs to warn of danger or hazards
   • Keep absorption products readily accessible to clean up spills immediately
   • Use handrails, safety nets and other protective devices
   • Keep ladder rungs, feet and steps clean and dry and observe load limit

   Learn more about the OSHA Fall Protection Standard and standard 1926.501.

   

2. 2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 3,213 Violations

   Chemical accidents can turn deadly, quickly, on a large scale. In 2017, 41 U.S. workers died on the job after a single episode of inhaling chemicals and chemical products, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standard 1910.1200 helps ensure information about the identities and hazards of chemicals is readily available and understandable for workers. It applies to chemicals produced in the workplace and those imported into the workplace.

   Chemical safety tips:

   • Maintain a master chemical list using SDS binders or chemical database software
   • Use proper labeling or bring GHS label printing in-house
   • Train employees about chemical safety
   • Learn the standard and maintain a written hazard communication program

   Learn more about the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.1200.

   

3. 3. Ladders (1926.1053) – 2,978 Violations

   Ladders are some of the most common pieces of workplace equipment. But their ubiquity and ease of use put workers in dangerous situations when manufacturer recommendations and safe ladder practices are ignored. In 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries from which ladders were the primary source, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

   Ladder safety tips:

   • Position ladders on a stable, level surface
   • Use three points of contact
   • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder
   • Keep maintenance regular and recorded with ladder inspection tags

   Learn more about the OSHA Ladders Standard 1926.1053.

   

4. 4. Scaffolding (1926.451) – 2,859 Violations

   OSHA scaffolding regulations minimize falls and falling objects on or near scaffolding at heights of 10 feet or higher. Many citations relate to issues of inadequate or missing guardrail systems, fall protection, and foundations for poles, legs, posts, uprights and frames. There were 52 fatal falls to lower levels from scaffolding in 2020, according to OSHA via the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

   Scaffolding safety tips:

   • Ensure scaffold deck is fully floored, level and can support its intended load
   • Use fall protection devices, such as guardrails, toeboards, screens and netting
   • Maintain regular inspections and training
   • Identify key safety and compliance information via scaffold tags

   Learn more about OSHA's General Requirements for Scaffolding and OSHA Standard 1926.451.

   

5. 5. Forklifts and Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 2,561 Violations

   You’d be hard-pressed to find facilities/industries that don’t utilize powered industrial trucks, like a forklift or lift truck. But their heavy weight, powerful capabilities and operation in busy or narrow areas can make them dangerous. Forklifts were the source of 78 work-related deaths and 7,290 nonfatal injuries involving days away from work in 2020, according to the NSC. OSHA requires that forklift operators be over the age of 18, and all forklift operators must go through proper training and licensing. In addition, they are subject to performance evaluations and refresher training.

   Powered industrial trucks safety tips:

   • Wear seatbelts
   • Never exceed the rated load and do not raise or lower the load while traveling
   • Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges
   • Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas
   • Lock out forklifts during service and repair
   • Post signs to warn of forklift traffic and directions
   • Use floor tape to mark aisles and passageways and keep them clear of hazards
   • Read this article on heavy equipment safety for more tips on heavy machinery safety

   Learn more about OSHA’s Powered Industrial Trucks Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.178.

   

6. 6. Lockout Tagout (1910.147) – 2,554 Violations

   OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulation, commonly referred to as lockout tagout, requires that energy sources be contained during servicing and maintenance to ensure worker safety. When such hazardous energy sources are not properly controlled, workers servicing or maintaining the machines or equipment may end up seriously injured or even killed. Compliance with the lockout/ tagout standard prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year, according to OSHA.

   Lockout tagout safety tips:

   • Develop and document a LOTO program and policy
   • Write machine- or task-specific lockout tagout procedures
   • Identify and mark energy isolation points
   • Conduct LOTO training
   • Provide proper lockout tagout devices and safety padlocks
   • Sustain your program and procedures

   Learn more about OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Standard 1910.147.

   

7. 7. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 2,481 Violations

   OSHA requires employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program. This includes situations in which permissible exposure limits (PELs) of airborne contaminants are exceeded and requirements for respirator requirements, including selection, employee training, fit testing, medical evaluation, use, cleaning, maintenance and repair. Compliance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard may help avert hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses annually, according to OSHA.

   Respirator safety tips:

   • Post signs to warn of danger or respirator-required areas
   • Have a written program in place
   • Provide the correct respirators, training, fit testing and medical evaluations
   • Ensure proper care, maintenance and use of respirators

   Learn more about the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.134.

   

8. 8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 2,112 Violations

   OSHA regulations require anyone going up heights 6 feet or higher to be trained on fall protection. This includes recognizing fall hazards, correct procedures to be followed to minimize hazards, limitations of equipment as well as their correct use and operation a training must be certified by a competent person, and retraining should occur if equipment and conditions change. Our Slips, Trips, and Falls guide provides resources that can help prevent falls in the workplace.

   OSHA’s Fall Prevention Training Guide gives tips for how to conduct trainings, called “Toolbox Talks,” including to keep them:

   • Short – Each Toolbox Talk should last approximately 5 to 10 minutes
   • Participatory – Allow workers to ask questions and discuss the topic
   • Easy to follow – Avoid jargon, confusing and irrelevant topics or instructions

   Learn more about OSHA’s Fall Protection – Training Requirements Standard 1926.503.

   

9. 9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment, Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 2,074 Violations

   Eye injuries are largely preventable with the proper protection. Still, thousands of workers are injured or blinded every year. OSHA requires eye and face protection to be provided whenever necessary to protect workers against chemical, environmental, radiological and mechanical irritants and hazards.

   Eye and face protection safety tips:

   • Ensure eyewear fits properly and is designed for the specific hazard
   • Eyeglass wearers should have safety equipment that fits over glasses
   • Clean and disinfect eyewear before storage
   • Use face shields with protective eyewear
   • Remind employees when PPE is needed with PPE signs

   Learn more about OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection Standard and OSHA Standard 1926.102.

   

10. 10. Machine Guarding (1910.212) – 1,644 Violations

    Moving machine parts can crush fingers or hands and cause amputations, burns or blindness. Machine guarding helps prevent these injuries by physically preventing accidental contact of machine parts or debris by operators or others in the immediate vicinity.

    Machine guarding safety tips:

    • Keep employees informed with machine operation signs
    • Don’t adjust or remove guards without proper authorization
    • Ensure machine guards are in place before starting machinery
    • Train employees to recognize incomplete, ineffective or missing machine guards
    • Ensure minor servicing procedures are up to date

    Learn more about OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.212.