Every year, OSHA releases a list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards. This list is important to review and understand, as it will point to trouble areas others are having and can tip you off to what OSHA is focusing on. When there are major changes to a standard, it is also common to see that standard show up on this list. This year, we are going to briefly discuss each of these standards.
10. Electrical Systems Design, General Requirements, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.303)
This standard has to do with the design of electrical systems, specifically focusing on what measures are in place to prevent electrocution and electric shock. This standard is so often cited simply because it pertains just about every business.
9. Machines, General Requirements, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.212)
This standard pertains to the guarding in place for machinery in your facility. Every machine needs to be properly guarded as per the requirements in this standard; pay particular attention to securing fixed machinery and properly covering blades.
8. Ladders, Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Ladder accidents are on the rise in the United States. Though this standard is often considered complicated, most of the requirements are easy to follow once understood. Eight percent of all workplace deaths are attributed to ladder accidents, so it is important to brush up on this standard.
7. Electrical, Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.305)
As technology advances, so to does the circuitry used to run machinery. But ultimately, all wiring systems require proper labeling, grounding, personal protective equipment, and monitoring. All devices also need to be complete and created up to code. This standard covers all of these topics and more.
In our next post, we will discuss standards 6-4 on the list of most commonly cited OSHA violations. If you have any questions about the violations listed here, please contact us. If you have anything to add to our brief discussion of these standards, please leave a comment.
