Understanding the most common OSHA violations is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 OSHA violations in 2022 and provide guidance on how to prevent these issues in your workplace, ensuring employee safety and compliance.
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
Violations in 2022: 5,980 Previous year’s ranking: No. 1 with 5,271 violations To prevent fall protection violations, ensure that all employees working at heights are provided with appropriate fall protection equipment and training. Regularly inspect equipment and maintain a strong safety culture to minimize the risk of falls.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Violations in 2022: 2,682 Previous year’s ranking: No. 5 with 1,939 violations Proper hazard communication involves having a written program, appropriate labeling of hazardous substances, providing safety data sheets (SDS), and employee training. Ensure that your workplace has a comprehensive hazard communication program in place to avoid violations.
3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
Violations in 2022: 2,471 Previous year’s ranking: No. 2 with 2,521 violations To prevent respiratory protection violations, provide proper respiratory protection equipment to employees exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. Implement a written respiratory protection program, conduct regular employee training, and ensure equipment is properly maintained and used.
4. Ladders (1926.1053)
Violations in 2022: 2,430 Previous year’s ranking: No. 3 with 2,018 violations To prevent ladder-related accidents and OSHA violations, inspect ladders regularly for damage and ensure they are used correctly. Train employees on proper ladder usage, including selecting the right ladder for the task, maintaining three points of contact, and not overreaching while on the ladder.
5. Scaffolding (1926.451)
Violations in 2022: 2,285 Previous year’s ranking: No. 4 with 2,538 violations Scaffolding safety is crucial in preventing accidents and OSHA violations. Ensure that scaffolds are erected and dismantled by trained personnel, and inspect scaffolds regularly for damage or defects. Provide fall protection for employees working on scaffolds and maintain a safe distance from power lines.
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
Violations in 2022: 2,175 Previous year’s ranking: No. 6 with 1,670 violations To avoid lockout/tagout violations, develop a written program that outlines procedures for controlling hazardous energy sources during maintenance and servicing activities. Train employees on these procedures and perform periodic inspections to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
Violations in 2022: 1,922 Previous year’s ranking: No. 9 with 1,404 violations Proper training and certification of powered industrial truck operators are essential for avoiding OSHA violations. Conduct regular equipment inspections and maintain a safe work environment by keeping aisles clear and implementing traffic management plans.
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
Violations in 2022: 1,778 Previous year’s ranking: No. 7 with 1,660 violations To comply with fall protection training requirements, ensure that all employees exposed to fall hazards receive proper training. This training should cover the proper use of fall protection equipment, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
9. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
Violations in 2022: 1,582 Previous year’s ranking: No. 8 with 1,451 violations Provide appropriate eye and face protection to employees exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, or harmful light radiation. Regularly inspect and replace damaged protective equipment, and ensure employees are trained on the proper use and maintenance of these devices.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Violations in 2022: 1,488 Previous year’s ranking: No. 10 with 1,105 violations Prevent machine guarding violations by installing guards on machinery to protect employees from hazards such as rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks. Train employees on the importance of machine guarding and perform regular inspections to ensure guards remain in place and are functioning correctly.
By understanding the top 10 OSHA violations in 2022 and taking the necessary precautions to prevent them, you can create a safer and more compliant workplace. Regular employee training, proper equipment maintenance, and a strong safety culture are all essential components of a successful safety program.
The Importance of Proactive Safety Measures in the Restoration Industry
The numbers speak for themselves – OSHA violations can result in severe consequences for businesses in the restoration industry. With Fall Protection, Hazard Communication, and Respiratory Protection topping the list, it’s evident that workplace safety must be a top priority for general contractors and restoration specialists.
By proactively addressing these common OSHA violations and implementing proper safety measures, businesses can mitigate risks, avoid fines, and protect their employees and clients. Investing in safety training, thorough hazard assessments, and the necessary personal protective equipment can significantly reduce the likelihood of violations and create a safer work environment.
Don’t become another statistic. Act now and take the necessary steps to ensure your restoration project is compliant with OSHA standards and providing a safe working environment. Reach out to our experts at Allied Emergency Services to learn more about how we can help you optimize safety protocols and maintain compliance during your roofing and restoration projects.
