Every year, OSHA releases its list of the top 10 most cited safety violations, and 2024 is no different. The list serves as a reminder of where companies are falling short in keeping workers safe. From construction sites to manufacturing floors, these are the violations that keep popping up, and they’re a sign that more needs to be done to protect workers. Here’s a quick look at OSHA’s top 10 violations for 2024:
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements
Leading the pack, as always, is fall protection. With over 6,300 violations, it’s clear that companies still aren’t doing enough to prevent falls, especially in construction. The basics, like safety harnesses and guardrails, are often missing, which is a big problem when people are working at heights.
2. Hazard Communication
Coming in second is hazard communication, with nearly 3,000 violations. This standard is all about making sure workers know what chemicals they’re dealing with. Failing to label hazardous materials or provide safety data sheets (SDSs) leaves employees in the dark about the risks they’re facing.
3. Ladders
Ladder safety continues to be an issue, with over 2,500 violations. Whether it’s using damaged ladders or just not setting them up properly, these mistakes can lead to serious accidents, especially in the construction industry.
4. Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection saw almost 2,500 violations this year, a significant jump from last year. Workers exposed to harmful dust, fumes, or vapors often don’t have the right respirators or haven’t been properly trained on how to use them. Breathing in toxic air is a major hazard, so it’s crucial for companies to have strong respiratory protection programs.
5. Lockout/Tagout
With over 2,400 violations, lockout/tagout is another big concern. This standard ensures that machines are properly shut down during maintenance to prevent them from being accidentally turned on. Without proper procedures in place, workers are at risk of serious injuries.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks
Forklifts and other powered trucks led to over 2,200 violations this year. The most common issues involve a lack of training or poor maintenance, both of which can lead to accidents like tip-overs or collisions.
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements
Employers also fell short on fall protection training, with more than 2,000 violations. Workers need to know how to recognize fall hazards and how to properly use the equipment provided. When they’re not trained properly, the risks increase significantly.
8. Scaffolding
Improper scaffolding continues to cause problems, with nearly 1,900 violations. Whether it’s not setting up scaffolding securely or failing to install guardrails, these mistakes can lead to serious falls and injuries.
9. Eye and Face Protection
Over 1,800 violations were recorded for eye and face protection. Workers exposed to flying debris, chemical splashes, or dangerous light need proper protective gear, but too many companies are not enforcing the use of this equipment.
10. Machine Guarding
Rounding out the list is machine guarding, with over 1,500 violations. This issue is most common in manufacturing, where moving parts need to be properly guarded to prevent workers from being injured by machinery.
OSHA’s 2024 list shows us the usual culprits: fall hazards, respiratory issues, and machine safety. These violations highlight areas where companies need to step up and make sure their workers are protected. After all, keeping up with OSHA standards isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about keeping people safe on the job.
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