Excerpt: Developing a program such as this is quite subjective. It varies from state to state, and it depends widely on the individual OSHA inspectors. We named this particular program after the manufacturing industry. However, the violations listed apply generally to any industry.

• Recordkeeping - Let’s begin with a very common citation in all industries, and that’s recordkeeping. All industries have the same problem, and that’s properly recording all work-related injuries and illnesses as required. Some companies record everything including first aid injuries. You won’t get a citation recording everything. This could come back to haunt you as you may be listed as a company with exceedingly high injuries, and may be targeted for inspection. Follow the guidelines for inspection on your record keeping form and you won’t get into trouble.
  
  
• Electrical - Electrical violations are one of the most common violations. Broken ground prongs which render the electrical shock protection useless on required electrical equipment. Using two prong plugs where three prong plugs are required. Frayed, cut, or broken cables is another violation. When cords become frayed, cut, or broken the cords should be replaced. Repairs with electrical tape are not authorized. Never store anything in front of, or along the sides of electrical panels within 30 inches. Higher voltages will require additional free space. Another common violation is electrical circuits are not properly identified and labeled such as circuit breakers and machinery. It’s important that each controlling circuit breaker be labled with the equipment it controls. All electrical disconnect switches must be identified and labeled as well.
  
  
• Lock-Out Tag-Out - Don’t forget the hazards of not locking and tagging all hazardous energy sources before servicing or maintaining equipment. Machinery is another frequent target of OSHA citations. Improper machine guarding, exposing employees to the dangerous parts of emergency machines. Emergency stop buttons not properly identified.
  
  
• Defective Tools - Using defective hand and power tools such as drills, chisels, or other equipment. Where portable and table grinders are used the grinding wheels have a tendency to explode due to improper handling, using, and torquing the wheels on the grinder. One of the most common violations on bench grinders is having the guard further than 1/8 inch from the grinding wheel. Portable grinders must also have the proper protective guarding.
  
  
• Forklift - Common forklift citations include not having the safe lifting capacity prominently displayed on the forklift. Other violations include defective equipment such as the horn not working, or there are leaks in the fuel, hydraulic, or cooling system. Improper handling of batteries is also a common violation.
  
  
• Chemical - In the chemical arena there are quite a few potential violations such as not using proper personal protection when handling chemicals such as gloves, safety glasses, or full-face shields. Not using proper respiratory protection when required, or using the wrong protection for the hazard. Additional violations include chemicals not properly labeled, and not having the appropriate MSDS, or material safety data sheet available for each chemical used. Lack of emergency plans and training in the event of chemical spills, or emergencies.
  
  
• HAZWOPER - There are numerous potential violations for the new HAZWOPER requirements. HAZWOPER means Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response which applies to virtually anyone handling chemicals and hazardous chemicals.
  
  
• Housekeeping - Housekeeping appears to be the most common violation, and this could range from not keeping work areas neat, clean, and organized to improper disposal of oily rags and metal containers with metal lids. Janitor closets with trash and improper storage are favorite targets of OSHA inspectors and safety professionals Quite often employees think out of sight is out of mind. But when it comes to safety housekeeping means everywhere.
  
  
• Training - Training violations come in a wide variety of situations such as not training employees in the general hazards to which they might be exposed. This could come in the form of a safety orientation program which covers the basics. Specific hazards training applies to anyone with specific hazards.