Every year OSHA compiles statistics on violations to its standards. During the federal governments fiscal year of 1999/2000, there were 103,054 violations to standards ranging across all OSHA industry segments, with adjusted penalties of over $35.5 million.
The following chart lists the top 25 most frequently violated regulations for Part 1910, General Industry. These are federal statistics and are the result of violations that occurred in those states that are regulated by federal OSHA. Citations for states that operate their own occupational safety and health programs are not included in these statistics.
Top 25 General Industry Violations by Subparagraph
October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2000
1. Hazard communication-Written program
1910.1200(e)(1)
2. Machine guarding-Types of guarding
1910.212(a)(1)
3. Lockout/tagout-Written energy control procedures
1910.147(c)(4)
4. Hazard communication-Labeling containers
1910.1200(f)(5)
5. Hazard communication-Employee information and training
1910.1200(h)
6. First aid-Eye wash/emergency shower facilities not in near proximity to employees
1910.151(c)
7. Respiratory protectionEstablish a written program
1910.134(c)(1)
8. Hazard communication-Employee information and training
1910.1200(h)(1)
9. Guarding floor openings, platforms, and runways
1910.23(c)(1)
10. Machine guarding-Point of operation guarding
1910.212(a)(3)
11. Wiring methods-Flexible cords and cables
1910.305(g)(1)
12. Electric-Guarding of live parts
1910.303(g)(2)
13. Lockout/tagout-Training and communication
1910.147(c)(7)
14. Abrasive wheel machinery-Exposure adjustment/safety guards
1910.215(b)(9)
15. Hazard communication-MSDS available for each hazardous chemical
1910.1200(g)(1)
16. Respiratory protection-Provide medical evaluation prior to fit test and respirator use
1910.134(e)(1)
17. Electric-Wiring methods, components and equipment-Cabinets, boxes/Conductors
1910.305(b)(1)
18. Lockout/tagout-Establishment of an energy control program
1910.147(c)(1)
19. Lockout/tagout-Periodic inspection
1910.147(c)(6)
20. Personal protective equipment-Hazard assessment and equipment selection
1910.132(d)(1)
21. Mechanical power transmission-Pulley guarding
1910.219(d)(1)
22. Electric-Wiring methods/identification
1910.305(g)(2)
23. Electric-Wiring methods, components and equipment-Cabinets, boxes/Covers
1910.305(b)(2)
24. Personal protective equipmentGeneral requirements
1910.132(a)
25. Personal protective equipment-Hazard assessment, written certification
1910.132(d)(2)
While the following citations are not part of the 1910 general industry regulations, they apply to employers in general industry and also ranked among the top violators.
OSHA 200 log and summary
1904.2(a)
OSH Act-General Duty Clause-Employer must provide a safe work place for employees
5(a)(1)
