After some delay, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally announced the FY 2020 top 10 violations list, which is comprised of the administration’s most frequently cited standards.
The FY 2020 Top 10 violations list was revealed during a webinar with Safety+Health magazine on Feb. 26, presented by deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Patrick Kapust. He noted that this data is preliminary.
“In a year that was defined by the ongoing pandemic, workplace safety became more important than ever,” said Lorraine M. Martin, NSC president and CEO.
“The OSHA Top 10 list reminds us why we must continue to focus on persistent safety risks as we navigate new challenges. These data help us pinpoint areas where we can improve so we can better prioritize workplace safety in the future world of work.”
The FY 2020 Top 10 Violations List
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements
Standard: 1926.501
Number of Violations: 5,424
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 1
2. Hazard Communication
Standard: 1910.1200
Number of Violations: 3,199
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 2
3. Respiratory Protection
Standard: 1910.134
Number of Violations: 2,649
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 5
Related Article: Are you Forgetting This Key Part to the Respirator Standard?
4. Scaffolds – General Requirements
Standard: 1926.451
Number of Violations: 2,538
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 3
5. Ladders
Standard: 1926.1053
Number of Violations: 2,129
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 6
6. Lockout/Tagout
Standard: 1910.147
Number of Violations: 2,065
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 4
7. Powered Industrial Trucks
Standard: 1910.178
Number of Violations: 1,932
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 7
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements
Standard: 1926.503
Number of Violations: 1,621
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 8
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection
Standard: 1926.95
Number of Violations: 1,369
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 10
10. Machine Guarding
Standard: 1910.212
Number of Violations: 1,313
OSHA Top 10 Violations 2019 Rank: 9
Biggest Changes
Fall protection ends up as OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 10th straight year.
All of the top-cited standards from 2019 stayed on the list, but there were a few that moved positions. Ladders rose from number six to number five. Respiratory protection went to the third-place spot from number five, which is not surprising given the need for more PPE standards during the pandemic.
“Use the top-10 as a guide for your workplace,” Kapust recommended. “It’s a good place to start if you don’t know where to start. Look at what OSHA is finding. Look at the things that are applicable to your particular industry as well.”
Stay in Compliance with Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
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