The Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards of 2018

OSHA recently unveiled its top 10 most frequently cited standards. The agency reports the leading causes of workplace injuries during its fiscal year (October through the following September) to help businesses identify common safety pain points.

The 2018 top 10 list of most frequently cited standards didn’t change significantly from 2017, with fall protection violations staying on top of the list. In fact, the top seven standards remained the same. Read below to learn more details on the top 10 most cited OSHA standards.

Top 10 OSHA Violations

1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501):

   • 7,270 Citation

   Falls from ladders and roofs still account for most injuries at work. Identifying fall hazards and finding the best way to protect workers should be your first step when improving safety in the workplace. Some potential solutions can include guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall protection systems that are used alongside general safe work practices and training.

2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200):

   • 4,552 Citations

   OSHA requires businesses to keep information on hazardous chemicals in order to ensure their employees’ safety. Standard 1910.1200 governs hazard communication when chemicals are produced or imported into the workplace. The failure to either develop or maintain a proper written training program for employees, as well as the failure to provide a Safety Data Sheet for every hazardous chemical, is a common concern for many businesses.

3. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451):

   • 3,336 Citations

   According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of scaffolding accidents come from the structure’s support giving way, employees losing their footing or falling objects. Protect against these and other scaffolding hazards by strictly enforcing OSHA standards.

4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134):

   • 3,118 Citations

   The right respiratory protection can protect employees from a wide variety of hazards, including oxygen-deficient environments, harmful dust, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. Because these hazards can cause cancer, lung impairment, or death, it’s critical that employers establish a worksite-specific protection program that follows OSHA’s standards.

5.   Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147):

   •   2,944 Citations

   Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) refers to practices and procedures to prevent machinery or equipment from starting unexpectedly and causing an injury. Employees who service mechanical or electrical equipment face the greatest risk of injury if LOTO isn’t implemented properly. Also, an employee who’s injured on the job from exposure to these hazards loses an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.

6. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053):

   • 2,812 Citations

   These violations usually occur when ladders are used outside the manufacturer’s recommendation, such as when the top level is used as a step, when ladders aren’t used on stable surfaces, or when defective ladders aren’t taken out of service. The main factors that lead to injuries are a lack of training and a disregard for safe ladder practices.

7. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178):

   •   2,294 Citations

   Each year, there are tens of thousands of injuries caused by powered industrial trucks—especially forklifts. Many employees are injured when these trucks are driven off loading docks or when they fall between docks and unsecured trailers. Other common injuries occur when employees are struck by lift trucks or fall from elevated pallets and tines. Most incidents also involve costly property damage, including damage to overhead sprinklers, racking, pipes, walls, and machinery.

8. Fall Protection Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503):

   • 1,982 citations

   Because falls represent such a serious risk, employers must train employees to identify potential hazards and follow procedures in order to minimize the chance of a fall. According to OSHA, training should go over the use of fall protection methods such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Employers should also verify that employees completed training by keeping written certification records.

9. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212):

   • 1,972 Citations

   When left exposed, moving machine parts have the potential to cause serious workplace injuries, such as amputations, burns, blindness, and crushed fingers or hands. Employers can substantially reduce the chance of injury by installing and maintaining proper machine guards.

10. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102):

    • 1,536 Citations

    Eye injuries cost employers an estimated $300 million every year in lost production time, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation. Make sure to keep your employees safe by giving them the eye and face protection they need to stay safe from chemical, environmental, radiological, and mechanical hazards.

Ways contractors can attract new business in 2019

Are you are looking to grow your business in 2019? You are not alone but it can be challenging but there are effective steps to take if you want to see more customers larger profits this year.

Referrals, referrals, referrals!

Referrals tend to be 10x more effective in gaining new business than any other form of marketing. If you predominantly work outside the winter months are considered your “slow time”, don’t miss an opportunity to utilize the extra time in the office by having you and your staff call around to customers you did work with and update their information. Then you see if they have anyone they could recommend that you can then reach out to see if they need your services. If you did great work for them in the past, they will refer someone if they know someone. Also, use this opportunity to try to sell them on any new products or services you offer that you may now have when you did the work for them initially.

Be available.

The worst thing that could happen is you left the office for the day and someone calls needing help and no one is there to take their call. They may leave a message but they may also just move on to the next contractor they see listed. Make sure you have your hours of operation properly updated everywhere they could be posted. (business listings on the web, website, social media, etc.) A good practice is to have calls from the office directed to your personal cell phone after hours in the event someone calls. The best ability is availability and you wouldn’t want to miss out on new business.

Join an association.

As a contractor, there are always numerous associations and groups you can join that provide valuable resources beyond just acquiring new business and referrals.

Networking – by being a part of construction trade associations, business owners are able to network with other like-minded professionals in their industries. Friendships are created that allow for the free exchange of ideas including best practices.

Education – construction trade associations are outstanding sources of industry-specific education. Long-term success in any industry is in part based on learning and staying up-to-date on all changes to the industry.

Training – hands-on training is crucial for the long-term growth of your company. Employees must be trained to meet the latest government requirements (e.g. OSHA, etc.). These trade associations help business owners remain in compliance with these requirements.

Technical Support – many construction trade associations provide a national standard for construction specifications. Many of these operate a technical department that helps support their members.

Work with a strong insurance agency.

There is unlimited value in working with an agent who takes the growth of your business personally. Here at Arnold Insurance, we strive in finding the best price on insurance policies, working to get immediate and affordable bonds and help drive down costs but creating a strong risk management program. If you would like to see what we can do for you just call 614-863-0455.