In 2016, OSHA identified the top 10 health and safety violations from over 31,000 inspections, highlighting the importance of addressing workplace hazards to prevent fatalities. The most common violation was fall protection, followed by hazard communications and scaffolding, with thousands of violations cited across various categories. The document serves as a guide for safety managers to improve workplace safety and compliance.

1. OSHA’s Top 10 Violations
of 2016
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2. As 2016 draws to a close, OSHA released its list of the top 10
health and safety violations based on over 31,000 inspections
conducted throughout the year. More than 4,500 workers are
killed on the job every year, making this an important
reference in the effort to curb workplace deaths, amputations
and hospitalizations.

3. 10. Electrical, General Requirements
Number of Violations: 1,704
This primarily pertains, but is not limited to, electric equipment
not being installed properly or used as recommended.
Workers can be protected by keeping the working space around
electrical equipment clear.

4. 9. Electrical Wiring
Number of Violations: 1,940
The incorrect use of extension cords, particularly in
wet locations, was a large portion of the offenders this
year.
Also noted were substitutes for permanent wiring.

5. 8. Machine Guarding
Number of Violations: 2,451
Inspectors saw that machinery was not anchored properly
and the use of tools to operate the machinery caused
hazards.

6. 7. Ladders
Number of Violations: 2,639
Improper use of portable ladders accounted for the most common
hazard. Another top offender: not using ladders according to
specifications.
Employees must be properly trained on ladder use, noting simple
practices such as not using the top rung as a step.

7. 6. Powered Industrial Trucks
Number of Violations: 2,860
Not maintaining safe use of industrial vehicles can result in
injury or even death. Workers must be fully trained and
certified in operating industrial trucks before use.

8. 5. Lockout/Tagout
Number of violations: 3,414
There are 3 common lockout/tagout citations: employees being
improperly trained, a lack of lockout/tagout procedures and a lack
of inspections performed by employers, with some resulting in
fatalities.

9. 4. Respiratory Protection
Number of Violations: 3,585
Common offenses triggering citations occurred when
employees wore respirators but were not medically tested,
were not properly evaluated for respiratory protection or
were overexposed to contaminants.

10. 3. Scaffolding
Number of Violations: 3,906
Improperly assembling a scaffold and lack of access to a
scaffold were the most common citations. Framing,
roofing and siding contractors were among the most
frequently cited.

11. 2. Hazard Communications
Number of Violations: 5,677
Temporary agencies and host employers both are responsible for
workers’ safety under the OSHA act. OSHA observed several
instances where communication was lacking between the two
entities, in addition to a lack of training, data sheets or a program
addressing hazard chemical exposure.

12. 1. Fall Protection
Number of Violations: 6,929
Data from OSHA investigations state 39.9 percent of fatalities
are fall-related, yet this citation continues to be the top violation
year after year. Be sure your employees are properly trained for
worksites to prevent this tragedy.

13. As a safety manager you have many responsibilities, including
keeping your employees’ work environments clean and safe. For
more ways to make your job easier, download our guide, 9 Ways to
Make Your Job as a Safety Manager Easier.

14. About BasicSafe
BasicSafe is a web-based integrated approach to managing safe
work cultures and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Extensive programming based on proven safety methodologies
that target employee training and information access are the
backbone of the BasicSafe suite.
For more information, please visit www.basicsafe.us/