OSHA Defense
Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2018 Part 2
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for establishing rules and regulations to help decrease the prevalence of workplace injuries. Every October, safety professionals gather to discuss the most pressing issues in the world of workplace safety in health. In part one of this two-part series, our OSHA attorneys discussed the top 10 OSHA violations of 2018. So far, we have discussed the five most common OSHA violations:
- Duty to Provide Fall Protection
- Hazard Communication
- Scaffolds – General Requirements
- Respiratory Protection
- Lockout/Tagout
Now, we will discuss the other five most common OSHA violations in 2018.
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) – 2,812 Violations
OSHA violations related to the use of ladders commonly involved a failure to utilize side rails that extend 3 feet beyond the landing surface, improper use of ladders, utilizing the top step of a ladder, and using ladders that have damaged steps or rails. Common violators of this OSHA standard include roofing, framing, siding, and masonry contractors.
Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) – 2,294 Violations
Contractors were commonly cited for failing to address deficiencies in their vehicular camp. For instance, contractors can be issued a citation for utilizing a damaged forklift or allowing an untrained or uncertified employee to operate a forklift. Similarly, if you fail to evaluate forklift drivers at least once every three years, you could receive an OSHA violation.
Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503) – 1,982 Violations
If you fail to provide adequate training to every member of your workforce, you could find yourself on the receiving end of an OSHA citation. In addition to providing your workers with training, you need to document all training in writing and ensure that sessions are conducted by a qualified professional.
Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) – 1,972 Violations
Violations typically include a failure to protect points of operation, ensure that guards are secured to machinery, and properly anchor stationary machinery. This type of violation can occur in an array of industries related to the construction industry, but most commonly, machine guarding violations occur on the supply side of construction in machine shops, fabricated metal manufacturing plants, and plastics manufacturing plants.
Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) – 1,536 Violations
Last but not least, personal protective and lifesaving equipment violations have replaced electrical wiring methods as the tenth most common OSHA violation in 2018. As a contractor, you will be issued a citation if you fail to equip your workforce with proper protection from physical hazards, caustic hazards, gases, vapors, or other risks.
If you would like to speak with an OSHA attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.