TOP TEN MOST FREQUENTLY CITED SAFETY STANDARDS BY OSHA
for Fiscal 2014 (Oct. 1, 2013, to Sept. 30,
2014)
The following is a list of the top 10 most
frequently cited standards* following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA.
OSHA publishes this list to alert employers about these commonly cited
standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed
in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Far too many preventable
injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace.
*As of 10/28/14
ADDITIONAL COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE INJURIES
Defective or Hazardous
Equipment
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is
defective or hazardous equipment. Equipment may be hazardous if it is poorly
designed, manufactured, assembled, or repaired. Anything from complicated heavy
machinery and power tools to ladders and scaffolds can cause a disabling or
fatal injury given the right circumstances. These types of accidents are
particularly common at construction and mining sites.
Hazardous Materials
Many workers are exposed to toxic substances. Employees whose
jobs involve working with toxic substances have a right to appropriate
safeguards so they are not at an unnecessary risk for illness or injury. For
example, many workers in the asbestos industry were exposed to unsafe levels of
asbestos during the 20th century and are now developing mesothelioma,
asbestosis, lung cancer, and other conditions as a result.
Repetitive Motion
Workers whose jobs require them to perform one or more
characteristic repetitive motions are at risk of injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome
from typing is a well-known example of a repetitive motion injury that may
impair a person’s ability to perform their job.
Motor Vehicle Mishaps
Motor vehicles are integral to many peoples’ jobs, and where
there are motor vehicles, there is always a risk. These accidents may be caused
by reckless drivers or by equipment malfunctions. They are often serious and
occasionally deadly.
Insufficient Safety
Guidelines
All workplaces are required to establish and enforce
appropriate safety guidelines in order to protect their employees. Workplaces
that fail to do so are nearly always hazardous.
Insufficient Training
Many workers are injured each year because they or their
co-workers do not receive the training necessary to foster a safe workplace.
All employers are obligated to train their employees thoroughly in order to
avoid injuries. Workers who are undertrained or asked to perform duties for
which they are unqualified put themselves and others at risk.
Reckless Co-worker
Conduct
Employees can injure their co-workers when they behave
recklessly or under the influence in spite of thorough safety training and
appropriate guidelines. In these cases, the reckless individuals can be held
responsible, but so can their supervisors and those who hired them.