Workplace Safety Last—Not First? The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2021
12/16/21 - Zoro Staff
During the National Safety Council’s 2021 Safety Congress & Expo, OSHA announced their top 10 list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards violations. Though the list was presented virtually, these workplace hazards are very much happening in the real world.
Without further ado (drum roll, please), here are OSHA’s top safety violations plus ways your organization can avoid being part of these statistics.
So What Are the Top 10 OSHA Violations for 2021? Here’s the full list:
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
With 5,295 violations in fiscal 2021 alone, the reigning champ (not a good thing) takes the top spot for the eleventh year in a row. With gravity being an omnipresent force, this standard is designed to protect workers walking at heights of at least six feet. Fall protection equipment can help mitigate problems with walk areas, elevated areas, and falling objects.
2. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
Employers must make sure their employees are properly wearing and using appropriate protective equipment so they breathe air free from harmful smoke, dust, gases, vapors, and other contaminants. That didn’t happen in 2,527 standards violations. The solution? Using the right masks and respiratory protection gear.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
Up two spots from number five in fiscal 2020 is ladder safety. Not only were employees not using ladders for the intended purpose, but you know that warning not to use the top of a stepladder as a step? Of the 2,026 total ladder violations, 165 involved ignoring that rule. Heed the warnings on all equipment, and check out the latest safety advancements from some of the most reputable brands.
4. Scaffolding (1926.451)
Employers must protect workers from falls and falling objects when using scaffolding at heights of 10 feet or higher. But in 1,948 cases this didn’t happen. In fact, 558 cases involved someone falling from one level of scaffolding to another. Properly maintained scaffolding and related equipment can help prevent these problems.
5. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Making employees aware of chemical hazards in the workplace, including written hazard communication programs and safety training, is at the core of this standard, which saw 1,947 violations in fiscal 2021. Safety labels can help employees understand more about hazardous chemicals they may deal with.
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
When servicing machines and equipment, taking precautions with energy can be the difference between safety and disaster. Energy can be suddenly released by electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices. In 1,698 cases, proper lockout/tagout procedures weren’t followed. Make sure your employees follow procedures by using reliable lockout/tagout gear.
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
Related to the top overall violation, this specifically relates to training employees whose jobs put them at risk for falls. Employees need to be trained how to use fall protection equipment correctly. If this happened more regularly, the 1,666 violations from 2021 would likely be fewer.
8. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
Protecting the eyes and face is a safety no-brainer. Workers need to wear eye protection with side protection—and even prescription lenses if needed. Contact with chemicals, flying particles, acids, molten metal, and more led to 1,452 violations that could have been avoided if employees were properly wearing effective eye protection.
9. Powered Industrial Trucks (1920.178)
Not only does this standard cover the design, maintenance, and operation of powered trucks such as forklifts, but it also includes training. Nearly one-quarter of the 1,420 violations were the result of unsafe operation, though many others were due to a lack of proper training. Well-maintained powered trucks and other vehicles, along with comprehensive training, can reduce the risk associated with their use.
10. Machine Guarding (1920.212)
Machinery needs guards in place to protect workers from hazards such as flying debris, rotating parts, sparks, and others. Missing guards, exposed blades, and other related violations totaled 1,113. With many different types of tools and machinery used in workplaces, having proper protective shielding is a must.
With this list in mind, assess your workplace. Are any of these potential hazards lurking around the corner? Maybe you haven’t run into any yet. That’s great! But since accident prevention is far better for employees’ health (and your bottom line) than accident recovery, be sure your employees are trained in proper safety measures, and outfit your facilities with proper work and safety equipment from Zoro.com.
Sources: National Safety Council | Safety and Health Magazine
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