25 Most Commonly Cited OSHA Violations Video

Excerpt: Developing a program such as this is quite subjective. Itvaries from state to state, and it depends widely on the individual OSHAinspectors. 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’sproperly recording all work-related injuries and illnesses as required. Somecompanies record everything including first aid injuries. You won’t get acitation recording everything. This could come back to haunt you as you may belisted as a company with exceedingly high injuries, and may be targeted forinspection. Follow the guidelines for inspection on your record keeping formand 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 onrequired electrical equipment. Using two prong plugs where three prong plugs arerequired. Frayed, cut, or broken cables is another violation. When cords becomefrayed, cut, or broken the cords should be replaced. Repairs with electricaltape are not authorized. Never store anything in front of, or along the sidesof electrical panels within 30 inches. Higher voltages will require additionalfree space. Another common violation is electrical circuits are not properlyidentified and labeled such as circuit breakers and machinery. It’s importantthat 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’tforget the hazards of not locking and tagging all hazardous energy sourcesbefore servicing or maintaining equipment. Machinery is another frequent targetof OSHA citations. Improper machine guarding, exposing employees to thedangerous parts of emergency machines. Emergency stop buttons not properlyidentified.
  
  
• Defective Tools - Using defective hand and power tools such as drills, chisels, orother equipment. Where portable and table grinders are used the grinding wheelshave a tendency to explode due to improper handling, using, and torquing the wheelson the grinder. One of the most common violations on bench grinders is havingthe guard further than 1/8 inch from the grinding wheel. Portable grinders mustalso have the proper protective guarding.
  
  
• Forklift - Common forklift citations include nothaving the safe lifting capacity prominently displayed on the forklift. Otherviolations include defective equipment such as the horn not working, or thereare leaks in the fuel, hydraulic, or cooling system. Improper handling ofbatteries is also a common violation.
  
  
• Chemical - In the chemical arena there are quite a fewpotential violations such as not using proper personal protection when handlingchemicals such as gloves, safety glasses, or full-face shields. Not usingproper respiratory protection when required, or using the wrong protection forthe hazard. Additional violations include chemicals not properly labeled, andnot having the appropriate MSDS, or material safety data sheet available foreach chemical used. Lack of emergency plans and training in the event ofchemical spills, or emergencies.
  
  
• HAZWOPER - There are numerous potential violations forthe new HAZWOPER requirements. HAZWOPER means Hazardous Waste Operations andEmergency Response which applies to virtually anyone handling chemicals andhazardous chemicals.
  
  
• Housekeeping - Housekeeping appears to be the most common violation, and thiscould range from not keeping work areas neat, clean, and organized to improperdisposal of oily rags and metal containers with metal lids. Janitor closetswith trash and improper storage are favorite targets of OSHA inspectors andsafety professionals Quite often employees think out of sight is out of mind.But when it comes to safety housekeeping means everywhere.
  
  
• Training - Training violationscome in a wide variety of situations such as not training employees in thegeneral hazards to which they might be exposed. This could come in the form ofa safety orientation program which covers the basics. Specific hazards trainingapplies to anyone with specific hazards.