OSHA recently announced the Top 10 most frequently cited violations for fiscal year 2019. The ranking is nearly identical to last year, with just one change — Respiratory Protection and Lockout/Tagout switched places this year.
Top 10 OSHA Violations for 2019
| Rank | Title | Standard | # of Violations | More Info* |
| 1 | Fall protection – General requirements | 1926.501 | 6,010 | Citations include contractors failing to provide fall protection near roof sides/edges |
| 2 | Hazard communication | 1910.1200 | 3,671 | Citations include failure to train, failure to maintain data sheets |
| 3 | Scaffolding – General requirements | 1926.451 | 2,813 | Citations include lack of proper decking and guardrails |
| 4 | Lockout/Tagout | 1910.147 | 2,606 | Citations include lack of implementation of energy control procedures, lack of training |
| 5 | Respiratory protection | 1910.134 | 2,450 | Citations include lack of fit testing, lack of medical evaluations, lack of respiratory programs |
| 6 | Ladders | 1926.1053 | 2,345 | Citations include structural defects, use of top steps, ladders not being used as intended |
| 7 | Powered industrial trucks | 1910.178 | 2,093 | Citations include using damaged forklifts, non-certified forklift drivers, failing to recertify drivers every 3 years |
| 8 | Fall protection – Training requirements | 1926.503 | 1,773 | Citations include employers lacking competent persons to provide training, no written certifications verifying training |
| 9 | Machine guarding | 1910.212 | 1,743 | Citations include point of operation, guards not attached to machines |
| 10 | Eye and face protection | 1926.102 | 1,411 | Citations include lacking eye/face protection near flying objects, no protection from chemicals and vapors |
*Specific citation info from EHS Daily Advisor
Industry-specific citations
In addition to the Top 10, the agency released citation and penalty information for specific industries. Here are the results from some of the industries we serve.
Construction
- Total citations: 22,859 (based on 9,196 inspections)
- Total penalties: $71,553,400 (average penalty: $3,130)
- Top 5 most frequently cited standards
- 1926.501: Duty to have fall protection
- 1926.451: General requirements
- 1926.1053: Ladders
- 1926.503: Training requirements
- 1926.102: Eye and face protection
Fabricated metal product manufacturing
- Total citations: 3,404 (based on 908 inspections)
- Total penalties: $10,156,388 (average penalty: $2,984)
- Top 5 most frequently cited standards
- 1910.212: General requirements for all machines
- 1910.147: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- 1910.1200: Hazard communication
- 1910.134: Respiratory protection
- 1910.178: Powered industrial trucks
Food manufacturing
- Total citations: 1,168 (based on 411 inspections)
- Total penalties: $7,171,513 (average penalty: $6,140)
- Top 5 most frequently cited standards
- 1910.147: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- 1910.212: General requirements for all machines
- 1910.219: Mechanical power-transmission apparatus.
- 1910.1200: Hazard communication
- 1910.178: Powered industrial trucks
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
- Total citations: 105 (based on 21 inspections)
- Total penalties: $332,345 (average penalty: $3,165)
- Top 5 most frequently cited standards
- 1910.134: Respiratory protection
- 1910.1200: Hazard communication
- 1910.119: Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
- 1910.147: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- 1910.106: Flammable and combustible liquids.
The cost of non-compliance
In 2016, OSHA penalties increased by 78% to make up for 26 years of not adjusting for inflation. Since then, the penalties have increased every year.
Here is the current schedule as of January 23, 2019:
- For Serious, Other-Than-Serious, and Posting Requirements violations, the maximum penalty is $13,260 per violation.
- For Failure to Abate violations, the maximum penalty is $13,260 per day beyond the abatement date.
- For Willful or Repeated violations, the maximum penalty is $132,598 per violation.
Nilfisk is dedicated to helping you and your employees stay safe. For more information about OSHA standards, worker safety, and how the right equipment can help you become compliant, check out our health and safety article archive.
