STEP 1

Know OSHA's Most-Cited Hazards

While OSHA doesn’t break down its more than 70,000 or so annual inspections by industry, it does offer a list of its top 10 most-cited violations. Think of these as “trouble spots” you should concentrate on addressing

In 2016, these were the top 10 most frequently cited standards by OSHA. Choose the one that could be an issue for your company.

Fall protection
Hazard communication
Scaffolds
Respiratory protection
Lockout / tagout
Powered industrial trucks
Ladders / construction
Machine guarding
Electrical wiring
Electrical systems

Three out of the top 10 most-cited violations — fall protection, scaffolding, and ladders — involve construction standards. Not surprisingly, the construction industry remains among the industries most frequently inspected by OSHA. In fact, of the 4,836 worker fatalities in private industry in 2015, 21.4 percent were in the construction industry.

DID YOU KNOW?

OSHA's maximum penalty for a “serious” violation increased 78% in 2016, from $7,000 to $12,471 per violation, and again in 2017 to $12,675 per violation.

How does OSHA choose when and where to conduct an inspection?

The agency can't possibly inspect all 7 million workplaces that it covers. How do you think OSHA decides where to go?

CORRECT!

Hazard information reported by government agencies, nonprofits, the media, and individuals often prompts an investigation.

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CORRECT!

Employees can request anonymity when filing complaints and such allegations often warrant OSHA follow-up.

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CORRECT!

OSHA frequently conducts follow-up inspections to previous visits, so stay prepared.

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