The threat of injuries, fines, and a damaged reputation looms over any workplace, and OSHA’s top 10 violations keep popping up, even in places trying their best.
This article breaks down the hazards that cause the most trouble and how the right partner can help you avoid them.
The Top OSHA Violations in 2024
Here’s what OSHA inspectors found most often when they visited workplaces:
- Fall Protection, general requirements (29 CFR 1926.501): Fall hazards continue to lead the list, with more than 6,000 citations. Workers on unguarded edges or without harnesses face severe injuries or worse.
- Hazard Communication, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200): Too many workplaces skip hazard labels or training, leaving workers in the dark about the chemicals they’re using.
- Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147): When machines aren’t shut down properly during maintenance, workers are at risk of sudden movement or release of energy.
- Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053): Broken ladders and unsafe use remain a problem, causing falls and injuries.
- Respiratory Protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134): Failing to provide or train on proper respirator use leaves workers exposed to harmful dusts and fumes.
- Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178): Forklifts and similar equipment are often used without training or daily checks, leading to accidents.
- Fall Protection Training, construction (29 CFR 1926.503): Employers aren’t always teaching workers how to keep themselves safe at heights.
- Scaffolding, construction (29 CFR 1926.451): Improperly built or used scaffolding is a common hazard in construction.
- Eye and Face Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.102): Eye and face injuries are still common when proper gear isn’t used.
- Machine Guarding, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212): Missing guards on equipment put workers close to moving parts and serious injuries.
Each of these violations can lead to injuries, costly downtime, and big fines. But with the right focus and the right partner, you can stop them before they start.
How Thompson Safety Can Help
At Thompson Safety, we’re here to make your workplace safer and your life easier. Our site audits spot the gaps that lead to OSHA citations and give you a clear plan to fix them. Our practical training covers it all from first aid to fall protection, tailored to your team’s needs.
We also supply the right gear: first aid kits, PPE, fire protection, eyewash stations, AEDs, and more, kept stocked and up-to-date. Reach out for a site audit or a custom safety plan, and let’s keep your team safe and your work on track.
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