OSHA Updates

TOP 10 OSHA VIOLATIONS - 2008

Did you know that the “General Duty Clause” of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 specifically states, “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees”. This same General Duty Clause is often times sighted for generic safety violations, in the absence of a more specific code. Meaning, it can encompass a number of offenses and OSHA Violations.

One way to avoid inspections, violations and fines administered by OSHA is to perform regular, internal self-audits. Walk the facility, jobsite, shop area, warehouse, retail space and other types of work areas in search of safety hazards, potential exposures and employees that may unknowingly be working in an unsafe manner. Once you have identified areas in need of correction or improvement, devise a plan of action and move forward with implementing the necessary corrections, changes and/or training.

Where to begin you ask? The Top 10 OSHA Violations for both the General Industry and the Construction Industry are listed below. Each offers up a good starting point.

 General Industry:

  1. Failure to have a written Hazard Communication Program
  2. Failure to provide information and/or training on hazardous chemicals
  3. Non-protected electrical conductors leading into boxes, cabinets or fittings
  4. Missing electrical covers
  5. Missing or poorly adjusted tongue guards on abrasive wheel grinders
  6. Failure to utilize or issue proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  7. Insufficient protection against falls
  8. Fire extinguisher placement and quantity
  9. Inappropriate use of extension cords
  10. Record keeping issues associated with the OSHA Form 300 Log

Construction Industry:

  1. Scaffolding requirements and construction
  2. Fall Protection use and proper engineering
  3. Failure to have a written Hazard Communication Program
  4. Lockout / Tagout ensuring control of hazardous energy
  5. Respiratory Protection use, storage and inspection
  6. Electrical, wiring, equipment and components
  7. Powered Industrial Trucks (aka: Forklifts)
  8. Ladders and their usage
  9. Machine Guarding requirements
  10. Electrical Systems design and requirements

 Should your organization find itself in need of direction or clarification following a self-audit, call Employer Options. We have a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) available to answer questions and assist you with resolving your safety needs.

 Going forward, OSHA Updates such as this can be found on our EOHR website: www.EOHR.net on a quarterly basis. We have a number of services and information available to you there and awaiting your review.