How to Avoid OSHA Violations

Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces health and safety regulations for the US.  Violation of OSHA standards carry heavy fines and can close a business.  Avoiding OSHA violations not only keep employees safe, but will save your company money and legal entanglements.

1. Read and understand OSHA standards for your industry then enact all regulations as strict health and safety policy. 


2. Keep an accurate record of all accidents and hazardous material related illnesses.


3. Conduct safety meetings with supervisory staff and employees bringing safety records into the discussion.


4. Conduct monthly audits focusing on safety and health conditions of your business work environment.


5. Follow up all OSHA complaints with OSHA.  Aggressively implement requested changes before an inspection is scheduled.


6. Keep current on all OSHA safety regulation changes for your industry.


7. Top ten OSHA violations (Cite: Environment, Health and Safety Online ):
   
   
   
   
   • 10. 1910.212
     – Machine Guarding - 2,364 violations - Mechanical parts, function and process which may cause injury must be safeguarded.
   
   
   • 9.  1910.303 – Electrical, General Requirements - 2,556 violations -Electricity presents a hazard.
   
   
   • 8.  1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks  -  2,993 violations- Tens of thousands of accidents happen involving trucks, forklifts, loading docks and the general loading and unloading of vehicles utilized in highway transportation.
   
   
   • 7.  1910.305 – Electrical, Wiring Methods - 3,079 violations.  Repeat of #9.  Electricity is dangerous and must be treated with cautious respect.
   
   
   • 6. 1910.147 – Lockout/Tagout - 3,321 violations - "Lockout-Tag out".  This involves accidents wherein equipment suddenly starts or stops and unexpected electrical discharge.
   
   
   • 5. 1926.1053 – Ladders - 3,072 violations - FATALITIES due to falls from ladders.
   
   
   • 4.  1910.134 – Respiratory Protection - 3,803 violations - protection against aerosolized bio-pathogens, chemical toxicity and low oxygen environments.
   
   
   • 3. 1910.1200 – Hazard Communication  -  6,378 violations - WRITTEN INFORMATION related as to potential, actual hazards and protection not being related to employees and consumers.
   
   
   • 2.  1926.501 – Fall Protection - 6,771 violations - Anyone working above four feet needs protection.
   
   
   • 1. 1926.451 – Scaffolding - 9,093 violations - Falls from unsafe working habits, unsafe scaffolding and scaffolding-related equipment accidents rate #1 of  OSHA violations in 2009 and 2010.