What is OSHA's 3 most cited violation?

What are common OSHA violations?

#1 - Fall Protection: Construction

There were 7,188 fall protection violations cited. OSHA standards require employers to construct and install safety systems to prevent falls in the workplace.

What is a level 3 violation?

Level 3 violations are serious breaches of conduct that may involve a serious violation of a professional code of conduct or include extreme cases of dishonesty and maliciousness. Level 3 violations may include a violation of law, or may be likely to cause direct harm to others.

What is the #1 OSHA violation?

The #1 most cited OSHA violation, consistently for over a decade, is Fall Protection—General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501), particularly in the construction industry, involving failures to provide proper safety systems like guardrails or harnesses for workers at heights of six feet or more, making it a leading cause of fatalities. Close contenders often include Hazard Communication, Ladders, Lockout/Tagout, and Respiratory Protection, but fall protection remains the dominant violation. 

Which OSHA standard is the most commonly cited violation?

For the 15th consecutive year, Fall Protection came in at number one with 6,827 violations—an increase over last year and far and away the most commonly cited standard following inspections of worksites for all industries. Hazard Communication was next at 3,121, followed by Ladders and Respiratory Protection.

What is the OSHA 3 point rule?

The intent of 29 CFR 1910.23(b)(12) is for employers to ensure that workers maintain "three-point contact" (i.e., three points of control) with the ladder at all times while climbing. OSHA considers that grasping the ladder on horizontal rungs is preferable, and encourages employers to follow this practice.

What is the number 1 OSHA violation?

The #1 most cited OSHA violation, consistently for over a decade, is Fall Protection—General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501), particularly in the construction industry, involving failures to provide proper safety systems like guardrails or harnesses for workers at heights of six feet or more, making it a leading cause of fatalities. Close contenders often include Hazard Communication, Ladders, Lockout/Tagout, and Respiratory Protection, but fall protection remains the dominant violation. 

What is the most frequent violation of OSHA standards?

The most common OSHA violation, year after year, is Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501), consistently topping the list due to hazards from unprotected edges and insufficient safety systems, especially in construction, making it the top safety concern for employers. Other frequent violations include Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, and issues with Ladders and Respiratory Protection.
 

What is the OSHA 4 minute rule?

The OSHA 4-minute rule refers to the requirement for prompt first aid, meaning trained personnel and supplies should be available within 3-4 minutes for serious injuries in workplaces with significant hazards (like electrocution) if professional help isn't nearby, with exceptions for lower-risk environments (up to 15 mins). For electrical work, it specifically mandates trained responders within 4 minutes for shock victims, and for general first aid, it means accessible help within that timeframe or having trained staff on-site. 

What is the biggest OSHA violation?

In the 50+ years since President Richard Nixon signed the OSH Act into law, it has helped prevent millions of injuries.

• #5 Kleen Energy natural gas explosion. ...
• #4 Imperial Sugar Company explosion. ...
• #3 IMC Fertilizer/Angus Chemical fertilizer plant blast. ...
• #2 BP America refinery explosion. ...
• #1 BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

What are the four types of OSHA citations?

There are six listed types of OSHA violations, each carrying a different penalty.

• Serious. ...
• Other-Than-Serious. ...
• Willful or Repeated. ...
• Posting Requirements. ...
• Failure to Abate. ...
• De Minimus Violation.

What are the four types of employers that may be cited for an OSHA violation?

• Decided by determining if the employer fits one or more of four of the following categories of employer: Exposing, Creating, Correcting, Controlling.
• If the employer does not fit any of these categories, then it was not responsible for compliance with the standard.

What are the top three citations given out by OSHA?

OSHA's top citations consistently revolve around preventing falls, managing hazardous chemicals, and ensuring safe ladder and scaffolding use, with Fall Protection (General Requirements) typically #1, followed by Hazard Communication, and then issues like Ladders, Respiratory Protection, and Scaffolding, showing persistent gaps in worker safety training and equipment across industries. For instance, in FY 2024, Fall Protection (Construction) led, with Hazard Communication and Ladders rounding out the top three. 

What was the rule violation most cited by OSHA in 2017?

Here's the full list:

• Fall protection – general requirements. ...
• Hazard communication. ...
• Scaffolding. ...
• Respiratory protection. ...
• Lockout/tagout. ...
• Ladders. ...
• Powered industrial trucks. ...
• Machine guarding.

What is an example of a common violation of OSHA regulations?

Fall Protection (1926.501)

Failure to provide adequate fall protection is the number one OSHA violation year after year. This includes missing guardrails, unprotected edges, or improper use of personal fall arrest systems.

What is a serious violation of OSHA?

OSHA Serious Violations

A Serious Violation is issued when a business knows that a workplace hazard could cause an accident or illness, resulting in a severe injury or death and does nothing to amend the situation.

What are 5 examples of unsafe acts?

10 Totally Unsafe Work Practices You Must Avoid

• Ignoring Signs.
• Skipping Out on Training.
• Drinking, Smoking, and Drug Abuse.
• Wearing Inappropriate Gear.
• Using Inappropriate Equipment.
• Skipping on Maintenance.
• Skipping on Cleaning and Securing.
• Doing It All By Yourself.

What are the 4 categories of OSHA?

OSHA's "4 Categories" can refer to different concepts, most commonly the Construction Focus Four Hazards (Falls, Struck-by, Caught-in/between, Electrocution) that cause most fatalities, or the four main industry standard categories: General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture. Other interpretations include the four Health Hazard Types (Biological, Ergonomic, Chemical, Physical) or Focus 4 Training Elements (Management Commitment, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Prevention, Training). 

What is a tier 3 violation?

HIPAA Violation Penalty Tiers

Tier 3 — Willful Neglect (corrected): A violation due to Willful Neglect that you correct within 30 days. Tier 4 — Willful Neglect (not corrected): A violation due to Willful Neglect that you fail to correct within 30 days.

What is the most common dot inspection violation?

The most common DOT inspection violations often involve vehicle lighting (broken/missing lamps) and brake issues, but Hours of Service (HOS) violations for drivers (like failing to log duty status or exceeding limits) are also extremely frequent, alongside problems with cargo securement, tire condition, and driver qualification/paperwork. Lighting and brake issues frequently lead to vehicles being put "out of service" during roadside checks, say industry sources.
 

What is a level 3 incident?

Level III: Incidents resulting in death (or posing a substantial risk of death) or sexual assault or that cause permanent physical or psychological impairment or incidents that are perceived to be a significant danger to, or concern of, the community.