OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited (MFC) Standards

ByLegacyMark Safety Consulting

Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again released its annual list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2024. OSHA’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30, and the latest list highlights key standards from both 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) and 29 CFR 1926 (Construction).

Understanding these citations is crucial for businesses, as non-compliance can result in significant penalties, increased liability, and potential litigation. Below, we break down the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards for 2024 and provide insights on how to mitigate these common violations.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations for FY 2024

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most frequently cited violations in FY 2024, highlighting areas where many companies are falling short of compliance.

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)

  • 6,307 violations
    Despite significant efforts to improve workplace safety, fall protection remains the number one cited violation for construction companies. Failure to provide fall protection at heights of 6 feet in general industry and 15 feet in construction remains a leading cause of workplace injuries.

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

  • 2,888 violations
    This violation involves improper handling and labeling of hazardous chemicals. Employers must ensure that all employees working with hazardous chemicals are trained on proper handling, labeling, and protective measures.

3. Ladders (1926.1053)

  • 2,573 violations
    Ladder safety remains a common oversight, with employers failing to properly maintain or provide safe access to elevated work areas. Proper training on ladder use and maintenance can significantly reduce risk.

4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)

  • 2,470 violations
    This citation typically arises when businesses fail to provide the necessary respiratory protection for workers exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. Adequate respiratory protection programs are required, including fit-testing and training.

5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)

  • 2,443 violations
    Lockout/tagout procedures, designed to prevent accidental machinery starts during maintenance, are frequently violated. Businesses must develop and enforce strict lockout/tagout procedures to prevent hazardous energy releases during maintenance work.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)

  • 2,248 violations
    This violation pertains to the training and certification of forklift operators. Employers must ensure that operators are trained and certified before operating powered industrial trucks.

7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)

  • 2,050 violations
    Training employees to properly use fall protection equipment is a critical but often overlooked requirement. This standard emphasizes the need for proper education on the proper use of fall protection equipment.

8. Scaffolding (1926.451)

  • 1,873 violations
    Scaffolding-related violations are common in construction settings. These violations occur when scaffolding is improperly constructed, inadequately supported, or not maintained in accordance with OSHA standards.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)

  • 1,814 violations
    Employers must ensure that workers exposed to eye or face hazards are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes safety goggles, face shields, or other devices to protect workers from hazards like flying debris or chemicals.

10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)

  • 1,541 violations
    Machine guarding violations occur when workers are exposed to unguarded machinery parts. Employers are required to implement safeguards to prevent employees from coming into contact with hazardous machine components.

Addressing OSHA Violations: Why It’s Critical for Your Business

The release of the most frequently cited OSHA standards serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges businesses face in ensuring compliance. These violations can result in significant OSHA penalties, costly workplace injuries, and the liability that accompanies them.

How These Violations Impact Your Business

  • Legal Risks: Non-compliance with OSHA standards increases the risk of legal disputes, including lawsuits for workplace injuries or fatalities.

  • Reputational Damage: Companies that receive frequent citations may damage their reputation, making it difficult to win business or retain clients.

  • Increased Costs: Penalties, legal fees, and higher insurance premiums can increase the financial burden on a business.

Mitigating Risk: The Importance of Compliance

With OSHA’s MFC list in mind, it’s essential for employers to develop proactive compliance strategies that minimize risk. Below are steps businesses can take to avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance and reduce exposure to OSHA citations.

1. Implementing Proactive OSHA Compliance Programs

Develop and implement tailored OSHA compliance programs that address the specific risks in your industry. Regular workplace safety audits can help identify potential hazards before OSHA inspectors do.

2. Training and Education

Providing employees with job-specific safety training ensures they understand how to work safely and avoid risks. For example, offering comprehensive fall protection training for construction workers and respiratory protection training for those working with hazardous chemicals is essential.

3. Engaging Expert Witnesses

When facing an OSHA citation or defending against a workplace injury lawsuit, expert witnesses can provide invaluable insights. These professionals can help assess whether the violation was appropriately cited and provide testimony in court if needed.

For more detailed strategies on improving your OSHA compliance and defending against citations, explore our article on OSHA Compliance & Legal Strategies for Workplace Safety. This comprehensive guide covers key compliance strategies and legal approaches to mitigating risks associated with OSHA citations.

Legal Implications of OSHA Violations: How Expert Witnesses Can Help

When an OSHA violation leads to an accident, it often results in litigation. Attorneys representing clients in workplace injury cases need to thoroughly examine the training records, compliance efforts, and overall safety procedures in place at the time of the incident.

How Expert Witnesses Strengthen Legal Defenses

OSHA expert witnesses can be crucial in defending businesses during litigation, particularly in cases where OSHA citations are disputed. These experts can:

  • Assess training records to determine if the employer met the necessary standards.

  • Evaluate compliance measures to ensure the company was following best practices.

  • Provide testimony to help refute or validate the claims in the case.

For more on how expert witnesses can help with OSHA citation defense and workplace safety litigation, visit our article on OSHA Compliance & Legal Strategies for Workplace Safety.

Conclusion: Prioritize OSHA Compliance to Avoid Legal Pitfalls

The MFC list for OSHA violations serves as a stark reminder that businesses must remain vigilant in maintaining safety standards. By implementing compliance strategies, conducting regular safety training, and utilizing expert witnesses, companies can protect their workforce, reduce legal risks, and avoid costly fines.

For businesses looking to navigate OSHA’s complex regulations, contact LegacyMark Safety Consulting today for expert assistance in OSHA compliance, safety training, and OSHA citation defense.

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