Workplace accidents happen every day. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious broken bones or head trauma. The human and financial costs associated with these injuries vary depending on the severity of the injury but even the most minor incidents could signify major neglect of health and safety regulations.
Employers play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries. They can take steps to reduce risks and improve safety procedures. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employers also have legal obligations to provide safe working conditions.
In order to ensure safe workplaces, OSHA publishes the list of the top ten most frequently cited safety and health standards. These include regulations, codes, rules and guidelines that help protect employees against work-related injury and illness. Employers must comply with these standards in order to remain in compliance with federal law. OSHA has issued its 2022 annual report on serious violations at U.S. workplaces. What did they find?
In 2022, OSHA observed over 22,000 violations among the top ten complaints. OSHA also found that Fall Protection – General Requirements remains at the top of the list for the 12th year in a row.
The Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for FY 2022 are:
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,260 violations
- Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,424
- Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,185
- Ladders (1926.1053): 2,143
- Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,058
- Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 1,977
- Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,749
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,556
- Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,401
- Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,370
To avoid OSHA violations, you need to know what they are, how they affect your business and how to comply.
The Southeastern OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center at NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) provides trainer courses, standards and technical courses and two safety certificate programs designed to help organizations keep workers safe and environments hazard-free and OSHA-compliant. The organization also facilitates the US Department of Labor OSHA Outreach Training Train-the-Trainer Program, OSHA’s primary means of training employees in occupational safety and health. Courses are available for construction, general industry, food and beverage manufacturing and disaster site safety.
Learn how the Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center can help you
