OSHA’s 'Top 10' most-cited violations

Imagine a roofing contractor performing a job task he or she doesn’t typically do – gutter cleaning or pressure washing, perhaps.

These types of jobs call for eye and face protection, but because they often lie outside the contractor’s domain, he or she may not have conducted a proper hazard assessment.

As a result, a workplace injury occurs.

The type of scenario outlined above is one possible reason for the appearance of Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) on OSHA’s Top 10 list of most frequently cited violations for fiscal year 2018, said Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs. The new entry ranks No. 10, joining familiar company that includes Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) at the top for the eighth consecutive year.

Kapust described the past year at the agency as “enforcement as usual” after presenting preliminary violation numbers on Oct. 23 at the 2018 National Safety Council Congress & Expo in Houston. Here, Safety+Health unveils the updated top 10 list, the "penalty box” of the year’s largest fines and an exclusive interview with Kapust.

Most-cited violations, fiscal year 2018

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Top 10 "serious" violations, fiscal year 2018

OSHA defines a “serious” violation as “one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.”

Top 10 "willful" violations, fiscal year 2018

OSHA defines a “willful” violation as one “committed with an intentional disregard of or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and requirements.”

 

 

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