10 Most Common Types of OSHA Violations

FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

OSHA requires that Fall Protection be used at elevations of 4 feet for General Industry and 6 feet for Construction. Falling from this height can result in serious injury or death to workers and is often seen with work on roofs and in elevator shafts.

Employers should ensure that guardrails, toeboards, fall arrest systems, harnesses, warning lines, safety nets and other fall protection methods are available to prevent workers from falling and getting injured.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION OR HAZCOM

Employers must inform all workers of the hazard of chemicals that they may be exposed to on a particular project, and keep an inventory of hazardous chemicals used on the job.

Any container used to store hazardous chemicals must be labeled with information about the particular chemical and its dangers. Employers must provide training to workers before they are exposed to and whenever there are new chemicals and/or changes to how chemicals are used.

SCAFFOLDING IN CONSTRUCTION

Adequate scaffold platforms must be provided for work zones, including full decking, guardrail support and sufficient points of access to and from the scaffolding.

Protect employees at 10 feet, but make sure that the fall protection provided is appropriate for the type of scaffold.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Workers need to be protected from fumes, vapors and poisonous gases. Employers must do an assessment of the work zone to determine the level of exposure to these substances and what protection equipment is needed for it.

If the job requires the use of any respiratory protection, a full written respiratory program is needed. A complete approach includes medical evaluation of workers to see if they can wear protective gear. It must be confirmed that each worker has a respirator that fits properly and comfortably.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT STANDARD (LOTO)

Employers must have a LOTO plan in place for any machinery that has the potential to produce an unexpected energy surge.

This applies to all equipment, regardless of how the energy is generated (electrical, chemical, hydraulic, etc.).

MOBILE EQUIPMENT

Employers must provide equipment-specific training to those who operate forklifts, powered pallet jacks or other types of mobile equipment.

LADDERS IN CONSTRUCTION WORK

Portable ladders should extend at least three feet above an upper landing when used for vertical access. If not possible, the ladder should be secured to a rigid support and a grabrail should be available for mounting and dismounting.

Never use a ladder as a walking platform, lifting device or for anything other than its intended use. Remove defective ladders from the job site to prohibit their use.

GENERAL MACHINE GUARDING

Workers should be protected from dangerous moving parts from all machines.

Make sure that machines are properly anchored or bolted down to prevent movement that could result in injury to nearby workers.

ELECTRICAL WIRING, COMPONENTS, EQUIPMENT

Electric shock, arc flash, electrocution, fires and explosions are some of the common dangers associated with work involving electrical lines and electric-powered equipment.

Using temporary wiring such as extension cords where permanent wiring should go is a violation. Do not run cords or cables through walls or ceilings. Cords and cables shouldn’t be strained or stressed in the work zone.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DESIGN

Employers should make sure that all equipment is installed and used in accordance with specifications from the manufacture, One example of a violation includes connecting a power strip to( an extension cord instead of a wall outlet.

Avoid using equipment that is designed and intended for home use in a workplace or construction zone.