Original Source: CONEXPO CON/AGG 365

Ensuring safety on construction sites is crucial to protect workers from potential hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies common violations to help employers and workers maintain a safe working environment. OSHA usually provides the list of the previous year in April, so here are the top 10 OSHA violations in construction for 2023 and tips on how to avoid them:

1. FALL PROTECTION (STANDARD 1926.501)

Violation: Failure to provide adequate fall protection for employees working at heights.

Prevention:

• Implement guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems for workers at elevations of six feet or more.
• Conduct regular training on fall hazards and proper use of fall protection equipment.
• Ensure walking/working surfaces are structurally sound to support workers safely.

2. HAZARD COMMUNICATION (STANDARD 1910.1200)

Violation: Improper communication of hazardous materials information.

Prevention:

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous chemicals on site.
• Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are readily accessible to all employees.
• Label all containers with appropriate hazard warnings and provide training on understanding these labels.

3. LADDERS (STANDARD 1926.1053)

Violation: Improper use or maintenance of ladders, leading to accidents.

Prevention:

• Select the appropriate ladder for the task, ensuring it extends at least three feet above the landing.
• Inspect ladders before each use for defects such as cracks or missing rungs.
• Maintain three points of contact when ascending or descending ladders.

4. SCAFFOLDING (STANDARD 1926.451)

Violation: Failure to meet scaffolding safety requirements, posing risks to workers.

Prevention:

• Erect scaffolds under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Ensure proper access, guardrails and stable footing are in place.
• Regularly inspect scaffolding components for damage or defects.

5. POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS (STANDARD 1910.178)

Violation: Unsafe operation or maintenance of powered industrial trucks, such as forklifts, which can lead to accidents or equipment damage.

Prevention:

• Ensure all operators are certified and properly trained to handle powered industrial trucks.
• Perform frequent inspections and maintenance of trucks to identify and address mechanical issues.
• Enforce speed limits, proper load handling and safe driving practices in the workplace.

6. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (STANDARD 1910.147)

Violation: Failure to properly control hazardous energy during the servicing and maintenance of machines, resulting in injuries from unexpected start-up or energy release.

Prevention:

• Establish and enforce a lockout/tagout program that outlines the steps for controlling hazardous energy.
• Train all employees on the importance of lockout/tagout procedures and how to use devices effectively.
• Ensure lockout/tagout devices are readily available and appropriate for the equipment in use.

7. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION (STANDARD 1910.134)

Violation: Failure to provide or enforce the use of proper respiratory protection, leading to worker exposure to hazardous airborne substances.

Prevention:

• Identify airborne hazards and assess the need for respiratory protection.
• Provide respirators that fit properly and are suitable for the specific hazard (e.g., N95 masks for dust or full-face respirators for toxic gases).
• Conduct fit tests and train employees on correct respirator use, care and maintenance.

8. FALL PROTECTION TRAINING (STANDARD 1926.503)

Violation: Inadequate training on fall protection measures.

Prevention:

• Provide comprehensive training programs on recognizing fall hazards and correctly using fall protection systems.
• Maintain records of training sessions and participant attendance.
• Conduct refresher courses periodically to reinforce safety practices.

9. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION (STANDARD 1926.102)

Violation: Not providing or enforcing the use of appropriate eye and face protection.

Prevention:

• Supply suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses or face shields.
• Train workers on the importance of using PPE and how to properly wear it.
• Replace damaged or worn-out protective gear promptly.

10. MACHINERY AND MACHINE GUARDING (STANDARD 1910.1200)

Violation: Failure to provide adequate guarding for machinery, exposing workers to risks such as amputations, lacerations or crush injuries.

Prevention:

• Ensure all machines have proper guards in place to protect workers from moving parts, flying debris or sparks. Examples include barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices or electronic safety sensors.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure guards are securely in place and functioning as intended.
• Train workers to recognize hazards and the importance of not bypassing or tampering with machine guards.

By addressing these common violations proactively, construction workers and employers can create a safer work environment, reduce the risk of accidents and comply with OSHA regulations.