2023 OSHA Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards

The results are in!  The 2023 Top 10 OSHA violations were revealed by OSHA at the NSC Safety Congress.  The list is basically the same as in 2022, with a few changes in place.

10) Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)

Protecting employees from serious injury or death from dangerous machinery should be a priority of all employers.  OSHA requires that employers implement one of more methods of machine guarding to protect machine operators and other employees in the machine areas from hazards created by point of operation, ingoing nip points. Rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.  As a general rule, if an employee can reach into the equipment and be injured, it needs to be guarded or shielded.

9) Personal Protective Equipment – Specifically Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)

You only have one set of eyes, take care of them!  OSHA requires employers to ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye and face protection when exposed to eye of face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acides or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.  Note that employers are not only required to provide appropriate PPE for their employees, they must ensure that their employees use the PPE when required. 

8) Fall Protection – Training (29 CFR 1926.503)

OSHA requires employers to train employees to recognize hazards of falling and what procedures to follow in order to minimize fall hazards.  Training is required to be specific to the nature of the fall hazards in the work area, and how to inspect, install, maintain and disassemble fall protection systems used.  Additional training topics provided by a competent person are identified in 29 CFR 1926.503 (a)(2).

7) Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)

When effective engineering controls are not sufficient to prevent employee exposure to hazardous gases, fumes, dusts and mists, appropriate respirators are required to be used.  When respiratory protection is required, employers must implement a Respiratory Protection Program and provide respiratory protection suitable for the purpose intended.

6) Lockout Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)

Lockout-Tagout to control hazardous energy that could seriously injure or kill employees is required where the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where the unexpected energization or startup of the machine or equipment, or release of stored energy could occur.  This performance standard outlines the requirements for employers to establish effective energy control procedures and employee training. 

5) Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)

Powered Industrial Trucks including Forklifts are hazardous equipment that is ubiquitous in manufacturing, warehousing and construction workplaces.  OSHA establishes a number of requirements relating to Powered Industrial Trucks, primarily centered around operator training and safe operation of forklifts in the workplace.

4) Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)

A Scaffold is defined by OSHA as any temporary elevated platform, whether supported or suspended, and its supporting structure including points of anchorage, used for supporting employees or materials or both. There are a myriad of requirements relating to the safe use of scaffolding including but not limited to training of scaffold users and builders by a competent person, structural requirements, access and fall protection. 

3) Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)

Ladders are one of the most misused pieces of equipment both at home and on the job.  Employees must be trained on safe selection and use of ladders in the workplace.  Ladders must meet certain structural requirements and be secured against accidental displacement.

2) Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

Hazard Communication is one of the easiest safety programs to implement, yet it continues to rank high among the annual top 10 most frequently cited hazards.  Employers are required to ensure employees understand what chemical hazards they are exposed to, how to protect themselves, and what to do in the event of exposure.  Requirements include standard labeling of chemical containers and maintaining safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals.  Employers are expected to attempt to reduce the hazard to employees by following the hierarchy of controls, with PPE being the last line of defense.

1) Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)

For the 13th year in a row, Fall Protection takes the top spot.  In the construction industry, effective fall protection must be provided where a fall hazard of 6 feet or greater exists, or where there is a hazard of falling into dangerous equipment.  Implementing effective fall protection practices can be challenging in some applications such as residential roofing and must be planned in advance.

Employers are required to provide for their employees a workplace free of recognized hazards.  It is important to identify hazards in the workplace and their risks to employee safety and health.  Training employees on hazards and risks they encounter in the performance of their work is essential.  Do you have a handle on the Top 10 at your workplace?