Top 10 OSHA Safety Violations for Fiscal Year 2024: Ensure Workplace Safety Compliance
Staying OSHA-compliant is essential for ensuring a safe workplace and avoiding costly penalties. Every year, OSHA publishes a list of the most common workplace safety violations, offering critical insights into areas where businesses can improve. In fiscal year 2024, OSHA’s top 10 violations serve as a reminder for employers to focus on safety and compliance.
OSHA's top 10 most frequently cited standards for fy 2024
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 OSHA violations and provide actionable tips to help you avoid them in your workplace.
1. Fall Protection—General Requirements (29 CFR §1926.501)
- Number of violations: 6,307
- Keywords: OSHA fall protection, workplace fall hazards, OSHA violations 2024
- Overview: Fall protection continues to be the most frequently cited OSHA violation, particularly in construction. Employers must protect employees working at heights of six feet or more.
Prevention Tips: Install guardrails, use safety nets, and ensure employees are trained in personal fall arrest systems. Regularly inspect and maintain fall protection gear.
2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR §1910.1200)
- Number of violations: 2,888
- Keywords: OSHA hazard communication, chemical safety, OSHA compliance 2024
- Overview: Employers must communicate the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers. This includes proper labeling and access to safety data sheets (SDS).
Prevention Tips: Maintain an updated hazard communication program, ensure correct labeling of chemicals, and provide training on SDS.
3. Ladders (29 CFR §1926.1053)
- Number of violations: 2,573
- Keywords: ladder safety OSHA, ladder inspection requirements, construction ladder violations
- Overview: Unsafe ladder usage is a major cause of workplace injuries, especially in construction. Employers must ensure proper ladder usage and safe working conditions.
Prevention Tips: Use ladders correctly, regularly inspect for defects, and choose the right ladder for the task.
4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR §1910.134)
- Number of violations: 2,470
- Keywords: OSHA respiratory protection, worker safety, respiratory equipment
- Overview: Employees exposed to harmful airborne contaminants must use proper respiratory protection. Employers need a respiratory protection program in place.
Prevention Tips: Perform fit tests, maintain respirators, and provide ongoing training on proper respiratory protection use.
5. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR §1910.147)
- Number of violations: 2,443
- Keywords: OSHA lockout tagout, machine safety procedures, workplace safety violations
- Overview: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that machines are properly shut off during maintenance to prevent accidental startup and injury.
Prevention Tips: Implement clear lockout/tagout procedures, train employees regularly, and ensure equipment maintenance is up to date.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR §1910.178)
- Number of violations: 2,248
- Keywords: powered industrial trucks OSHA, forklift safety, equipment operation compliance
- Overview: Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks must be operated safely to prevent workplace injuries.
Prevention Tips: Certify operators, regularly inspect trucks, and implement safe driving practices.
7. Fall Protection—Training Requirements (29 CFR §1926.503)
- Number of violations: 2,050
- Keywords: OSHA fall protection training, worker fall safety, OSHA violations 2024
- Overview: Proper training is essential for effective fall protection. Employers are required to train employees on the correct use of fall protection systems.
Prevention Tips: Provide consistent fall protection training and conduct regular refresher courses to keep workers informed.
8. Scaffolding (29 CFR §1926.451)
- Number of violations: 1,873
- Keywords: scaffolding OSHA violations, scaffold safety, OSHA compliance
- Overview: Scaffolding must be constructed and used safely to prevent falls and other accidents.
Prevention Tips: Ensure scaffolds are built by qualified personnel, regularly inspect scaffolding, and provide workers with proper safety training.
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR §1926.102)
- Number of violations: 1,814
- Keywords: OSHA eye protection, face safety gear, workplace safety equipment
- Overview: Proper eye and face protection must be provided to employees exposed to hazards like flying debris or chemicals.
Prevention Tips: Ensure workers have access to appropriate protective equipment, inspect it regularly, and replace damaged gear immediately.
10. Machine Guarding (29 CFR §1910.212)
- Number of violations: 1,541
- Keywords: machine guarding OSHA, equipment safety, workplace machinery compliance
- Overview: Machines must be guarded to protect workers from hazards like moving parts, sparks, or flying debris.
Prevention Tips: Install proper machine guards, inspect equipment regularly, and ensure workers are trained on the importance of machine guarding.
How to Avoid OSHA Violations and Improve Workplace Safety
By addressing these top 10 OSHA safety violations, your business can create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of accidents and penalties. Regular training, safety equipment inspections, and ongoing compliance reviews are crucial for maintaining OSHA standards.
If your business needs assistance with OSHA compliance, safety training, or personal protective equipment, contact us today. We provide customized safety solutions to help you keep your workforce safe and injury-free.
