OSHA Announces Latest Top-Violations

It’s the time of year again where OSHA releases the preliminary list of top 10 violations for 2018 – a complete list for the entire duration of the year will be announced at the conclusion of 2018. The below data covers violations cited from October 1st, 2017, through September 30th, 2018. There aren’t many surprises here, as the data remains relatively consistent year-over-year.

Here are OSHA’s top 10 violations of 2018 so far.

1. Duty to provide fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501): 7,270 Violations.
2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): 4,552 Violations.
3. Scaffolds – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.451): 3,336 Violations.
4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134): 3,118 Violations.
5. Lockout/Tag-out (29 CFR 1910.147): 2,994 Violations.
6. Ladders (29 CFR 1926. 1053): 2,812 Violations.
7. Powered Industrial Tracks (29CFR 1910.178): 2,294 Violations.
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,982 Violations.
9. Machine Guarding (29CFR 1910.212): 1,972 Violations.
10. Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1926.102): 1,536 Violations

Hazard Communication has remained at the #2 spot for several years. This is due primarily to a lack of a written #HazCom program, failure to maintain updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), improper training, and inadequate labeling of chemicals in the workplace.

Don’t Be a Number 2 – HCL Is Here For Your HazCom Program.

With 4,552 HazCom violations so far in the 2018 Fiscal Year, and a total of 4,600 violations in 2017, hazard communication penalties are seemingly on the rise.

To assure that your employees are provided with accurate hazard information in regards to chemicals, the institution of firm labeling standards in your hazcom plan is critical. See Why Do I Need GHS Labels  and Six Steps to a Fundamental HazCom Program for more information on labeling requirements.

Label your chemicals. HCL makes this process extremely simple – Don’t be a number 2.