Every year OSHA publishes its top ten most frequently cited safety standards while conducting safety inspections and post-accident investigations. It should be noted that many of these violations are repeated year-to-year, but the hazardous conditions they create still lead to workplace injuries and fatalities. Look at this list, identify exposures in your municipal operations, and review your safety practices to confirm you have a safe workplace. The top ten most frequently cited OSHA workplace safety standards for 2024 are:
#1: Fall Protection – General Requirements (Standard 1926.501), 6,307 violations
This is the 14th year in a row that inadequate fall protection has been the number one safety standard violation. This makes sense, as falls from heights continue to contribute to severe injuries and fatalities. However, it’s also concerning that although we’re all aware of the dangers of working at heights, employers and employees continue to ignore safety systems.
#2: Hazard Communication (1910.1200), 2,888 violations
When working around hazardous chemicals, in NYS referred to as Right-to-Know, it is important to confirm all chemicals are maintained in properly labeled containers and that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all staff to reference. Additionally, chemical safety training should be done annually.
#3: Ladders (1926.1053), 2,573 violations
Having proper ladders available, maintained in good condition, used correctly, and stored safely all equate to a solid ladder safety program.
#4: Respiratory Protection (1910.134), 2,470 violations
Fit testing for applicable staff and proper use of respirator equipment, which varies by staff, is vital to preventing inhalation of toxic or noxious fumes and airborne particulates.
#5: Lockout/Tagout (1910.147), 2,443 violations
Electrical safety is not just for electricians to worry about. Proper LOTO policies include authorized, effected, and other employees who work around energized equipment. This also includes applicable LOTO procedures for all equipment, including dump trucks, compressors, chippers, loaders, compactors, etc.
#6: Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178), 2,248 violations
Forklift use may be limited for most municipal operations, but any powered industrial truck requires operator training, testing, and oversight, as well as equipment maintenance.
#7: Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503), 2,050 violations
Like #1 above, as falls from heights is a leading workplace injury cause, training on proper safety procedures is important.
#8: Scaffolding (1926.451), 1,873 violations
Not common among our Comp Alliance members, but any use of scaffolding requires knowledgeable staff and standard installation protocols. Scaffolding fails for a variety of reasons.
#9: Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102), 1,814 violations
Among impactful workplace injuries, those that occur to the face, eyes, and fingers have the most life-changing impact. It is vital to review your PPE procedures, including use, availability, effectiveness, and compliance with ANSI standards for all your safety equipment, not just eye and face protection. Remember to always wear safety glasses or a face shield when flying particulates are present (i.e., grinders, cutting saws, welding, etc).
#10: Machine Guarding (1910.212), 1,541 violations
This is an often-identified hazard during our Comp Alliance loss control inspections. They are easy to identify and easily corrected for our members, but missing guards can cause severe injuries. Look at guards for your air compressor belts, bandsaw blades, cutoff saw blades, grinders, hand tolls, chain saw safety devices (including chain guard scabbards), and any other device which has moving parts that need protection against both accidental contact my employees as well as the potential for moving parts to break free and fly off the machine, causing injury.
A safety inspection of your facilities and a review of your safety practices and procedures regarding the above-noted standard violations can go a long way to preventing injuries in your workplace.