Every year, OSHA compiles statistics on violations to its standards. During 2007, there were 109,639 violations to standards ranging across all industry segments under federal OSHA jurisdiction, with adjusted penalties of over $35 million.
The following table lists the top 25 most frequently violated regulations for Part 1910, General Industry. These are federal statistics and are the result of violations that occurred in states that are regulated by federal OSHA. Citations for states that operate their own occupational safety and health programs are not included in these statistics.
Top 25 General Industry violations by subparagraph
January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007
Subject
Standard
Total
violations
$ Initial
penalty
$ Adjusted
penalty
1
Hazard communication-Written program
1910.1200(e)(1)
2,272
$1,103,359
$354,930
2
Machine guarding-Types of guarding
1910.212(a)(1)
1,576
3,216,600
985,709
3
Hazard communication-Employer must
provide hazard information and training
1910.1200(h)(1)
1,141
406,186
142,863
4
Guarding floor openings, platforms, and runways
1910.23(c)(1)
841
2,253,922
581,819
5
Machine guarding-Point of operation
guarding
1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
786
1,812,842
519,408
6
First aid-Eye wash/emergency shower facilities not in near proximity to employees
Electric-Wiring methods, components and equipment-Cabinets, boxes/Conductors
1910.305(b)(1)
695
597,834
205,644
10
Lockout/tagout-Establish an energy control program
1910.147(c)(1)
681
1,017,500
363,355
11
Hazard communication-MSDS available for each hazardous chemical
1910.1200(g)(1)
675
108,071
46,121
12
Respiratory protection-Provide medical evaluation prior to fit test and respirator use
1910.134(e)(1)
654
363,123
94,349
13
Respiratory protection-Establish a written program
1910.134(c)(1)
636
467,429
144,757
14
Powered industrial trucks-Operator training
1910.178(l)(1)(i)
632
822,191
293,247
15
Electrical-Equipment must be installed according to instructions
1910.303(b)(2)
601
525,643
179,065
16
Lockout/tagout-Annual procedure inspection
1910.147(c)(6)(i)
526
704,163
189,206
17
Mechanical power transmission-Pulley
guarding
1910.219(d)(1)
520
560,679
204,339
18
Personal protective equipment-Written certification of hazard assessment
1910.132(d)(2)
508
160,250
42,598
19
Electric-Wiring methods, components and equipment-Cabinets, boxes/Covers
1910.305(b)(2)
497
365,040
124,237
20
Abrasive wheel machinery-Work rests
1910.215(a)(4)
494
350,378
121,181
21
Personal protective equipment-Must conduct a hazard assessment
1910.132(d)(1)
491
387,625
124,051
22
Lockout/tagout-Training and communication
1910.147(c)(7)(i)
491
665,390
224,388
23
Eye and face protection-Use of appropriate eye and face protection
1910.133(a)(1)
489
405,862
148,849
24
Compressed air-Reduce to less than 30 p.s.i.
1910.242(b)
481
432,585
154,083
25
Personal protective equipment-Provide, use, maintain equipment in a sanitary and reliable condition
1910.132(a)
480
1,056,478
359,632
While the following citations are not part of the 1910 General Industry regulations, they apply to all employers and also rank among the top violators for all industry groups under Federal OSHA jurisdiction.
Subject
Standard
Total
violations
$ Initial
penalty
$ Adjusted
penalty
OSH Act-General Duty Clause-Employer must provide a safe work place for employees
5(a)(1)
1,336
$3,913,322
$842,622
Inspections, citations, and proposed penalties
1903
189
83,980
6,389
Record work-related injuries and illnesses on OSHA 300 log, 301 incident report, and 300A summary
J. J. Keller's KellerOnline® is the online safety management tool used by more than 19,000 safety professionals to manage their safety processes. Register for a 30-day free trial and see for yourself why.
.
J. J. Keller’s FREE SafetyClicks™ e-mail newsletter brings quick-read safety and compliance news right to your e-mail box.
