Fall Protection remains atop OSHA’s ‘Top 10’ list of most frequently cited violations

Update: Find finalized data, including top penalties, an exclusive interview with OSHA's Patrick Kapust, and Citation Solutions, safety vendors offering products and services to help you avoid violations, all in the December issue of S+H.

Orlando, FL — For the 11th consecutive fiscal year, Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard, the agency and Safety+Health announced Oct. 12 during the 2021 NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

Appearing virtually, Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, presented the preliminary list, which represents OSHA Information System data from FY 2021 (Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30). S+H Associate Editor Kevin Druley moderated the session from the Valencia Ballroom at the Orange County Convention Center.

Although several standards swapped positions, the standards that make up the Top 10 remained unchanged from FY 2020. Hazard Communication, which ranked as the second most frequently cited standard a year ago, fell to No. 5 in FY 2021. Among other notable movement, Respiratory Protection rose one spot to No. 2, while Powered Industrial Trucks fell two spots, dropping to ninth from seventh.

“Employers need to make sure their employees are protected,” Kapust said during the presentation. “The Top 10 tells us what OSHA is finding over and over again on a routine basis. Employers, use the list as a tool to assess your own workplace.”

The full list:

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,295 violations
2. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,527
3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,026
4. Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,948
5. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 1,947
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 1,698
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,666
8. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,452
9. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,420
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,113

“Throughout the pandemic, workplace safety has become more important than ever,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin said. “Although incredible advancements are made in safety each year, the OSHA Top 10 list reminds us that we must continue to pinpoint areas where we can improve so we can better prioritize workplace safety in the future world of work.”

Finalized data, along with additional details and exclusive content, will be published in the December issue of S+H.