Following the announcement of OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards of 2023, Risk Strategies hosted a webinar discussing these violations and how to avoid them. This list offers valuable insights for safety professionals and industry stakeholders. It reveals OSHA's enforcement priorities, emerging workplace hazards, and areas where employers can bolster compliance and worker protection.
OSHA Top 10 Violations: 2023
10. Machine guarding (general industry)
OSHA frequently cites employers for failing to safeguard machine operating parts (1,635 violations in 2023). Proper machine guarding prevents injuries from cutting, crushing, or amputating. Make sure to implement machine guarding systems and train employees in their use to avoid this violation.
9. Eye and face protection (construction)
Many eye injuries occur due to flying objects, hazardous chemicals, and welding on construction sites (2,064 violations in 2023). To prevent incidents like this, business owners must protect employees' vision by providing and enforcing the use of appropriate eye and face protection.
8. Fall protection training requirements (construction)
Employees need mandatory training on how to properly wear personal fall arrest systems (2,109 violations in 2023). Ensure that employees working at heights understand fall hazards, correct equipment use, and emergency procedures.
7. Respiratory protection (general industry)
OSHA’s new regulation regarding silica has heightened awareness about the importance of proper respiratory protection in environments with airborne hazards (2,493 violations in 2023). To prevent fines, provide appropriate respirators, fit test employees, and implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program.
6. Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
Accidental release of hazardous energy can become fatal for employees, whether it’s electrical energy, springs under tension/compression, or a different cause (2,539 violations in 2023). Prevent the accidental startup or release of hazardous energy by training employees on proper lockout/tagout procedures and verifying effectiveness.
5. Powered industrial trucks (general industry)
OSHA inspectors watch for seatbelt use among forklift operators (2,520 violations in 2023). To avoid violations, provide proper operator training, conduct regular inspections, and enforce safety rules for employees.
4. Scaffolding (construction)
OSHA inspectors can easily see improper scaffold construction, making it a “low-hanging fruit” citation (2,835 violations in 2023). For compliance, ensure scaffolding is properly erected, maintained, and used. Provide fall protection and access requirements for scaffolding workers.
3. Ladders (construction)
Ladders also are in clear view during an OSHA inspection and a frequent contributor to accidents (2,950 violations in 2023). To avoid mishaps, select the right ladder for the job, inspect ladders regularly, and train employees on safe ladder use.
2. Hazard communication (general industry)
Misusing hydration containers to stow away hazardous chemicals is a leading OSHA violation (3,227 violations in 2023). To avoid this, communicate chemical hazards effectively through labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and employee training.
1. Fall protection (general requirements) (construction)
Pay close attention to employees working more than six feet off the ground (7,188 violations in 2023). To prevent penalties, protect employees with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Employers need to conduct regular inspections and enforce fall protection requirements.
To prevent OSHA violations and foster a safe workplace, prioritize compliance with OSHA regulations. Comprehensive safety training empowers employees to recognize and avoid hazards. Engage in regular equipment and work area inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate. By proactively implementing preventive measures and addressing hazards directly, businesses can create safer workplaces, reduce injuries, and avoid costly penalties.
About the author
Jon Dickson served as an OSHA Consultant for the State of Missouri's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for seven years. Today, he’s a Senior Safety Consultant at Risk Strategies, advising organizations on workplace safety and OSHA compliance.
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