Ensuring employees have a safe work environment is a top priority for business owners, managers, and floor supervisors. Ignoring safety compliance regulations often results in employee injuries and expensive violations fines and penalties. Your company may even be temporarily shut down if the violation is severe. If you aren’t sure what OSHA violations are and how to avoid them, you can find the information in this article.
What is Considered an OSHA Violation?
In simple terms, an OSHA violation is anything that puts employees at risk for an injury. Even minor cuts and scrapes can be a violation if safety protocols are ignored. The best way to keep workers safe is with OSHA training, but do you know where to start?
There are multiple types of OSHA violations, and not all will apply to your industry. However, some offenses are more common than others and affect most businesses regardless of their industry.
Top 10 OSHA Violations in the Workplace
To help companies keep their employees safe and avoid OSHA violations and fines, here are the biggest OSHA violations and how you can avoid them.
1. Fall Protection, General Requirements
It’s estimated over 300,000 employees suffer injuries due to falls at work. It is more common at construction sites, but slips and falls can happen at any workplace. However, businesses can take steps to improve safety and reduce the potential for falls.
- Keeps floors and aisles clear of debris and clutter.
- Install sufficient lighting and place signs warning employees of any potential hazards.
- Require all employees wear OSHA-compliant footwear.
- Regularly inspect ladders, scaffolding, and other areas where falls are most likely to occur.
2. Hazard Communication Standard
To meet OSHA compliance standards, all companies must have a four-part hazard communication plan in place. Accident prevention programs help keep employees safe and accountable for any hazards relating to injuries.
- Create a written safety and communication program.
- Use the appropriate warning signs and labels.
- Create datasheets for material safety.
- Train employees in comprehensive hazardous communication.
Educating employees on the meanings of the various hazard communications labels and how to detect the presence of harmful chemicals are a few steps companies can take to avoid OSHA fines. In addition, businesses also want to educate employees on the current safety procedures in place.
3. Respiratory Protection
OSHA requires all employees wear respiratory protection when they are working around hazardous chemicals and other materials. Respirators protect workers from inhaling toxic fumes and particles that can impair lung function or cause certain cancers and other diseases.
Different types of respirators work best in specific situations. Particulate respirators filter out airborne particles like dust and smoke, while airline respirators are recommended around hazardous chemicals.
4. Scaffolding
Scaffolding is commonly used at construction sites and in warehouses, helping workers reach higher places. To ensure employee safety, there are specific OSHA scaffolding safety guidelines all employers need to meet.
- All scaffolding must have guardrails if it is over 10-feet in height.
- Regularly check the planking and decking for gaps that can cause employees to trip and fall.
- Always use ladders or step stools to get on and off the platform to prevent injuries caused by jumping off.
- Always place the scaffolding on a solid and level surface to prevent it from tipping over.
5. Ladders
To avoid OSHA violations and fines, all ladders must be clean and fully functioning. The rungs must be level, and the locking mechanism fully engaged when the ladder is open. Ladders should always be used on level ground. It is also recommended that at least two employees be in attendance when one is climbing up and down a ladder.
Read more about OSHA ladder safety standards.
6. Control of Hazardous Energy
Hazardous energy refers to the power released by machines and other equipment. Referred to as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, it outlines steps businesses can take to prevent this OSHA violation.
The easiest way to control hazardous energy is to ensure all equipment is disengaged and locked when it is not in use. Some steps companies can take are:
- Train all employees in proper equipment and machine use with a comprehensive LOTO program.
- Regularly inspect all equipment, including new machinery.
- Refrain from purchasing cheaper machinery; it may not be up to OSHA safety standards.
7. Powered Industrial Trucks
Powered industrial trucks are a common OSHA violation, especially forklifts. The equipment is common in several industries, from construction and manufacturing to warehouses. To keep employees safe on forklifts and avoid costly penalties, follow these tips:
- Require all employees using the vehicle to go through a forklift training program
- Have set rules on where the forklift is used and restricted areas marked
- Require licensing for any employee operating the forklift
8. Fall Protection, Training Requirements
Companies using scaffolding without requiring employees to go through a fall protection training program may face an OSHA violation. As a result, employees must understand the four levels of fall protection.
- Have awareness of potential hazards
- Be an authorized user of the scaffolding.
- Be competent at heights.
- Be qualified and trained at fall protection.
Companies also want to keep records of employee training, as it is an OSHA mandate.
9. Eye and Face Protection
When employees come into contact with environmental, chemical, or radiological hazards, OSHA requires all workers to wear eye and face protection. In addition, workers are also required to undergo training detailing how to use the equipment and safely dispose of any hazardous materials.
Companies also want to install eyewash stations in critical areas. Additionally, employees should also be trained in first-aid procedures and the use of their protective equipment.
10. Machinery and Machine Protection
Some machinery with moving parts is a potential workplace hazard. To avoid OSHA penalties,
- Install safety guards on the machines.
- Make sure all guards are away from any pinch points.
- Create a training program for employees on machine safety.
- Keep all machines properly maintained and replace all safety guards as necessary.
How to Reduce OSHA Violations with Safety Training
In conclusion, reducing OSHA violations in the workplace prevents employee injuries. It also reduces a company’s risk of incurring expensive fines and penalties. Creating a safe work environment takes time and planning, and we can help. Contact Safety by Design today to learn how we can help you create a safety training program for your workplace.
Tags: OSHA fines, OSHA violations, safety training, workplace safety
