Workplace Safety: OHSA Issues Report of Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards, in 2011

OSHA recently released a report of the 10 most frequently cited standards, as well as the 10 standard violations for which the highest fines were assessed, during its fiscal year, October 1, 2010- September 30, 2011. The most frequently cited standards were:

1. Construction scaffolding, general safety requirements. 29 CFR 1926.451.;

2. Fall protection in construction. 29 CFR 1926.501;

3. General industry hazard communication. 29 CFR 1910.134;

4. General industry respiratory protection. 29 CFR 1910.134;

5. General industry control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). 29 CFR 1910.147;

6. General industry electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment. 29 CFR 1910.305;

7. General industry powered industrial trucks. 29 CFR 1910.178;

8. Construction ladders. 29 CFR 1926.1053;

9. General industry electrical system design, general requirements. 29 CFR 1910.303;

10. General industry machines, general requirements. 29 CFR 1910.212.

The 10 standard violations for which the highest fines were assessed were:

1. Construction fall protection. 29 CFR 1926.501;

2. Construction scaffolding, general safety requirements. 29 CFR 1926.451;

3. General industry control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). 29 CFR 1910.147;

4. General industry machines, general requirements. 29 CFR 1910.212;

5. Construction ladders. 29 CFR 1926.1053;

6. Requirements for excavation protective systems. 29 CFR 1926.652;

7. General industry powered industrial trucks. 29 CFR 1910.178;

8. General Duty Clause. Sec 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act;

9. General industry electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment. 29 CFR 1910.305;

10. General industry electrical system design, general requirements. 29 CFR 1910.303.

On paper, these look like abstract, lifeless numbers. But, in the real world of worker safety, they represent an on-going effort, by OSHA, to insist upon compliance with safety requirements that save lives and keep workers safe, healthy and on the job. Every single one of the standards mentioned have to do with common sense rules for safe operations, like using the right ladders for the job, using them properly and securing them; or putting safety rails and harnesses on scaffolds; or tagging machinery so someone isn’t electrocuted while doing maintenance; or using masks or other protective gear in heavy dust, fumes or other breathing hazards. Most of the ( read more )