OSHA’s Top 10 Violations–2023

The safety and health of employees is a critical issue confronting managers in industries such as manufacturing and construction. But no matter what stage your organization may be at in its safety journey, you must have the most current information available to make sound, strategic decisions.

That of course should include OSHA’s list of the top 10 most frequently cited violations for 2023. OSHA makes this information available to the public so organizations can take proactive measures to address these and other issues in an effort to achieve zero incidents or accidents.

When reviewing this list, it is important to note that although some violations may move up or down the list, generally, Fall Protection and Hazard Communication are consistently in the top positions and the other violations populating this list also appear yearly. The consistency with which violations appear in the Top 10 list means that numerous organizations are struggling with these topics. In fact, year after year, deaths and injuries from falls continue to plague some industries.

If you are one of them, it may help to take a close look at this list and ask yourself what your organization is doing to address these subjects. For example, has your staff been trained in best practices for fall protection? Do they know how to use PPE for fall protection? Do they know when to use PPE for fall protection? Are you doing all you can to be transparent and open with your hazard communication practices? There are things that employers can do to address many of the issues in the Top 10 list. Ask a professional for help if you want to improve your efforts.

2023 Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards (FY 2023)

1. Fall Protection: 7,271 violations General requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
2. Hazard Communication: 3,213 violations General industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
3. Ladders: 2,978 violations Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
4. Scaffolding: 2,859 violations Construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
5. Powered Industrial Trucks: 2,561 violations General industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout): 2,554 violations General industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
7. Respiratory Protection: 2,481 violations General industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
8. Fall Protection Training: 2,112 violations Training requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
9. Eye and Face Protection (Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment): 2,074 violations  Construction (29 CFR 1926.102)
10. Machinery and Machine Guarding: 1,644 violations General industry (29 CFR 1910.212)

To build a best-in-class safety program, you should be relying on best practices, data, experience, strategy, planning, and thorough training. Organizations like Walden have EHS professionals on staff who can help you create a safety program that protects employees and the public alike from safety or environmental hazards.

Safe workplaces improve employee morale and cut down on turnover, while protecting organizations through decreased claims, less lost time, and less cost per claim.