OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of 2015

With 2015 coming to a close, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is set to release its Top 10 safety violations for the year.

These violations will likely shape the federal agency’s enforcement and strategy initiatives for 2016.

10. Electrical — GeneralOn the list for the last five consecutive years, electrical violations include the general safety requirements for designing electrical systems.

Top code infractions: inspection of electrical equipment, disconnecting means and circuits and identifying the manufacturer and ratings.

This has accounted for nearly 2,000 violations this year.

9. Machine GuardingThis violation is in the No. 9 spot for the second consecutive year. These types of violations include guarding machinery to protect its operators and others from potential hazards such as flying chips or sparks.

Top code infractions: types of guarding, anchoring fixed machinery and improper exposed blade guarding requirements.

This has accounted for nearly 2,300 violations this year.

8. Electrical — Wiring MethodsWith fewer violations than the previous year, this violation has moved from No. 7 to No. 8 on the list, showing signs of improvement. These violations cover the grounding of electrical equipment, wiring and insulation.

Top code infractions: the use and location of approved flexible cords and cables and not exposing employees to live parts on fixtures, lampholders and receptacles.

This has accounted for just over 2,400 violations in 2015.

7. Ladders

A mainstay on the violations list, the use of ladders has moved up on this list from No. 8 to No. 7. This involves the general requirements for using all ladders.

Top code infractions: the ladder’s side rails extending a minimum of 3 feet above an upper landing surface, only using ladders for their designed purpose and using them only on stable surfaces.

This accounted for nearly 2,500 violations this year.

6. Powered Industrial TrucksPowered industrial trucks claims the No. 6 spot for the second year in a row. This violation involves the design, maintenance and operation of vehicles such as forklifts and motorized hand trucks.

Top code infractions: ensuring the competency of powered industrial truck operators, not driving up to fixed objects or people and removing unsafe powered industrial trucks until they are repaired.

This accounted for over 2,700 violations in 2015.

5. Lockout/TagoutMoving up from the No. 6 spot, lockout/tagout is the requirement for controlling hazardous energy in the servicing and maintenance of equipment and machines.

Top code infractions: establishing and training employees on energy control procedures, application of control and testing and positioning of machines.

This accounted for more than 3,000 violations this year.

4. Respiratory ProtectionFor the second straight year at No. 4, this standard requires employers to establish and maintain a respiratory protection program.

Top code infractions: establishing and implementing a written respiratory protection program, medical evaluation requirements and fit testing.

This accounted for more than 3,300 violations in 2015.

3. ScaffoldingClaiming the No. 3 spot for the fourth year in a row, scaffolding covers the general safety requirements for scaffolding, including its use and development.

Top code infractions: fall protection, access requirements and the criteria for supported scaffolds.

This accounted for more than 4,000 violations this year.

2. Hazard CommunicationIn the No. 2 spot for the fourth year in a row, the violation addresses the hazards of chemicals both produced and imported into the workplace and how employees are exposed to those chemicals.

Top code infractions: employee information and training, labels on shipped containers and developing, implementing and maintaining a written hazard communication program.

This accounted for more than 5,000 violations in 2015.

1.Fall ProtectionNo. 1 since 2011, fall protection is the proper construction and installation of safety systems and proper supervision of employees to prevent falls.

Top code infractions: residential construction, steep roofs, unprotected sides and edges and protection from falling through holes.

This has so far accounted for nearly 7,000 violations in 2015.

TakeawaysAll 10 violations are repeat offenders, yet all are serious safety hazards that CAN be easily prevented.

The official list, with the final count of violations issued for each hazard, will be unveiled in the December issue of Safety + Health Magazine.

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