OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Safety Violations for 2023

At the close of 2023, marking the thirteenth consecutive year, OSHA reviewed violations documented during inspections and pinpointed several of the most frequently violated regulations.

Understanding Contractor Safety Violations

Contractor safety violations pose a significant risk to businesses, as they can result in workplace accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. This is why each employer relying on contractors should carefully examine these statistics by OSHA. Awareness of these violations enables companies to understand patterns in workplace health and safety hazards, allowing them to adjust their risk management strategies and strengthen their safety measures. This fosters safer workplaces, diminishes the risk of incidents, and mitigates the likelihood of facing non-compliance fines and litigation.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the regulations with the highest frequency of violations recorded by OSHA in the year 2023. 

1. Fall Protection (General Requirements)

A staggering 7,271 violations were reported in this category. Fall protection is crucial across various industries, especially in construction, where working at heights poses significant risks. Failure to comply with general fall protection requirements can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

2. Hazard Communication

With 3,213 violations, workplace hazard communication remains a persistent challenge. Proper labeling, safety data sheets, and employee training are essential components of hazard communication programs. Non-compliance in this area can expose workers to hazardous chemicals without adequate warning or protection.

3. Ladders

Ladders are commonly used in workplaces for various tasks, from construction to maintenance. However, 2,978 violations highlight the importance of proper ladder usage and maintenance. Failure to adhere to ladder safety guidelines can result in falls, leading to injuries or fatalities.

4. Scaffolding

Scaffolding violations totaled 2,859 cases in 2023. Proper assembly, inspection, and use of scaffolds are critical for ensuring worker safety, particularly in construction and renovation projects. Violations in this area can lead to collapses or falls from heights.

5. Powered Industrial Trucks

These vehicles, including forklifts and pallet jacks, are commonly used in warehouses, factories, and construction sites. However, 2,561 violations highlight the need for proper training and maintenance. Improper operation of powered industrial trucks can result in accidents, such as collisions or tip-overs, causing injuries or fatalities.

6. Lockout/Tagout

Inadequate lockout/tagout procedures can expose workers to hazardous energy sources, with a total of 2,554 violations in 2023. Failure to properly isolate energy during maintenance or repair activities can result in severe injuries, electrocution, or caught-in machinery accidents.

7. Respiratory Protection

With 2,481 violations, respiratory protection remains a critical concern for worker health. Proper selection, fitting, and use of respirators are essential for protecting against airborne hazards such as dust, chemicals, or infectious agents. Non-compliance can lead to respiratory illnesses or long-term health effects.

8. Fall Protection (Training Requirements)

2,112 violations were reported in this category. Proper training on fall hazards, equipment usage, and rescue procedures is essential for worker safety, especially for those working at heights. Lack of adequate training increases the risk of falls and injuries.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment (Eye and Face Protection)

Eye and face protection are crucial for preventing injuries from flying debris, chemical splashes, or other hazards. However, 2,074 violations indicate gaps in compliance with PPE requirements. Failure to provide or use appropriate eye and face protection can result in severe eye injuries or facial trauma.

10. Machine Guarding

Machines present various hazards, including moving parts, pinch points, and entanglement risks. Despite these known dangers, 1,644 violations were recorded in machine guarding in 2023. Proper machine guarding is essential for preventing amputations, crush injuries, or other serious accidents.

How to Improve Workplace Safety by Leveraging the OSHA Most Frequently Cited Violations 

These statistics underscore the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. Addressing these violations through proactive measures such as training, enforcement, and continuous improvement initiatives can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and costly penalties. Businesses can leverage this data to improve safety standards in several ways:

Hazard Spotting

Companies should examine their current safety programs to identify potential hazards mentioned in the list of common violations and ensure they are addressed in the workplace.

Compliance Review

It’s essential for businesses to review their past and present safety programs, safety records, and record-keeping practices to ensure compliance with OSHA standards, both historically and presently.

Workforce Involvement

Involving the workforce, including contractors, in safety enhancement efforts can bring positive results. Insights and ideas from employees can help address commonly cited areas of compliance mentioned in the list of violations.

Robust Training Programs

Implementing robust and regular training programs is vital. Employers should ensure that all employees, including contractors, receive up-to-date training, particularly in areas highlighted by OSHA violations, to maintain a safe working environment.

How to Minimize Contractor Safety Violations with Appruv

Manual safety and compliance management is complex, resource-intensive, and prone to human error. However, platforms like Appruv offer a solution. By utilizing Appruv, companies can ensure contractors meet specific safety, insurance, financial, and performance standards before starting work. To gain a better understanding of our platform’s functionality, you can book a free demo.

Appruv not only ensures compliance but also offers complimentary safety training for contractors. Moreover, it provides the flexibility to create customized courses tailored to specific business needs. This comprehensive approach helps reduce the risk of safety hazards, legal liabilities, and other issues associated with contractor safety violations.

In conclusion, businesses dependent on contractors must stay updated on common violations cited by OSHA to enhance safety measures, minimize risks, and ensure compliance. Leveraging platforms like Appruv can streamline compliance management and contribute to creating safer work environments for all stakeholders.

If you’re seeking ways to enhance the safety of your contractors, contact our team today.