OSHA recently announced its top 10 most cited violations for fiscal year ending 2017. Although the order may change from year to year, it usually reflects the usual suspects of violations and this year’s list is no different. Because the top ten list is so consistent, it remains an excellent starting point for businesses that want to review safety practices and policies and may not be sure where to start. It can also serve as a helpful tool for safety committees to periodically review along with the OSHA logs. The top ten list appears below with some common examples of each violation.

1. Fall Protection in Construction (29 CFR 1926.501) (unprotected edges and open sides).
2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) (failing to have a hazard communication program or safety data sheets)
3. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451) (improper access to surfaces and lack of guardrails)
4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) (failing to establish a respiratory protection program and failing to provide medical evaluations)
5. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) (inadequate worker training and inspections)
6. Ladders in Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053) (improper use of ladders, damaged ladders, and using the top step)
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) (inadequate worker training)
8. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) (exposure to points of operation)
9. Fall Protection—Training requirements (29 CFR 1926.503) (failing to train workers in identifying fall hazards and proper use of fall protection equipment)
10. Electrical—Wiring methods (29 CFR 1910.305) (Common industries cited include food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing)