OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of 2016

www.basicsafe.us/

As 2016 draws to a close, OSHA released its list of the top 10 health and safety violations based on over 31,000 inspections conducted throughout the year. More than 4,500 workers are killed on the job every year, making this an important reference in the effort to curb workplace deaths, amputations and hospitalizations.

10. Electrical, General RequirementsNumber of Violations: 1,704

This primarily pertains, but is not limited to, electric equipment not being installed properly or used as recommended.

Workers can be protected by keeping the working space around electrical equipment clear.

9. Electrical Wiring

Number of Violations: 1,940

The incorrect use of extension cords, particularly in wet locations, was a large portion of the offenders this year.

Also noted were substitutes for permanent wiring.

8. Machine Guarding

Number of Violations: 2,451

Inspectors saw that machinery was not anchored properly and the use of tools to operate the machinery caused hazards.

7. LaddersNumber of Violations: 2,639

Improper use of portable ladders accounted for the most common hazard. Another top offender: not using ladders according to specifications.

Employees must be properly trained on ladder use, noting simple practices such as not using the top rung as a step.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks

Number of Violations: 2,860

Not maintaining safe use of industrial vehicles can result in injury or even death. Workers must be fully trained and certified in operating industrial trucks before use.

5. Lockout/Tagout

Number of violations: 3,414

There are 3 common lockout/tagout citations: employees being improperly trained, a lack of lockout/tagout procedures and a lack of inspections performed by employers, with some resulting in fatalities.

4. Respiratory Protection

Number of Violations: 3,585

Common offenses triggering citations occurred when employees wore respirators but were not medically tested, were not properly evaluated for respiratory protection or were overexposed to contaminants.

3. Scaffolding

Number of Violations: 3,906

Improperly assembling a scaffold and lack of access to a scaffold were the most common citations. Framing, roofing and siding contractors were among the most frequently cited.

2. Hazard CommunicationsNumber of Violations: 5,677

Temporary agencies and host employers both are responsible for workers’ safety under the OSHA act. OSHA observed several instances where communication was lacking between the two entities, in addition to a lack of training, data sheets or a program addressing hazard chemical exposure.

1. Fall Protection

Number of Violations: 6,929

Data from OSHA investigations state 39.9 percent of fatalities are fall-related, yet this citation continues to be the top violation year after year. Be sure your employees are properly trained for worksites to prevent this tragedy.

As a safety manager you have many responsibilities, including keeping your employees’ work environments clean and safe. For more ways to make your job easier, download our guide, 9 Ways to Make Your Job as a Safety Manager Easier.

About BasicSafeBasicSafe is a web-based integrated approach to managing safe work cultures and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Extensive programming based on proven safety methodologies that target employee training and information access are the

backbone of the BasicSafe suite.

For more information, please visit www.basicsafe.us/