The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps records not only of the most frequently cited standards overall, but also within particular industries. The most recent statistics from OSHA reveal the top standards cited in the fiscal year 2020 for the manufacturing industry. This top 10 list comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components into new products.
Description of Violation | Cited Standard Number | ACV* |
1. Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) – Control of hazardous energy is the practice of de-energizing equipment and locking the energy source to prevent release of energy. Requirements include written procedures, training and periodic inspection. |
| $11,658 |
2. General Requirements for All Machines – This standard refers to machine guarding of presses, power saws, jointers and milling machines. Requirements include securing anchoring fixed machinery, operation guarding and types of guarding. | $8,698 | |
3. Powered Industrial Trucks – Powered industrial trucks include forklifts and fork trucks. This standard's requirements include operator training, inspections and safe work practices. |
| $3,310 |
4. Hazard Communication – This standard refers to the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Requirements include developing and implementing a program, recordkeeping, labeling and training. | $2,193 | |
5. Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus – A power transmission apparatus (PTA) is what connects the point of operation to the power source. Common PTA components include belts, pulleys, chains, and sprockets. This standard provides requirements for guarding those components of a PTA. | $6,251 | |
6. Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment for General Use – This standard covers permanent electrical wiring, including conductors, boxes and fittings. Requirements include the installation, maintenance and protection of electrical components. The standard also addresses when temporary wiring is allowed. | $3,545 | |
7. Respiratory Protection – This standard refers to respirators use to protect employees from hazardous substances. Requirements of this standard include a written program, selection of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing, safe operating procedures and training. |
| $2,443 |
8. Duty to Have Fall Protection and Falling Object Protection – This standard refers to the practice of identifying hazards and providing protections from those hazards when needed. Requirements include identifying, inspecting and assessing workplace conditions for fall or falling object hazards. | $3,698 | |
9. General Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements – This standard refers to providing, managing and maintaining the proper personal protective equipment for employees. Requirements include identifying required PPE, maintenance, sanitation, replacement and training. | $4,276 | |
10. General Electrical Requirements – This standard refers to the practice of examining, installing and using electrical equipment of different types, sizes, voltage and current capacity. Requirements include specifications for electrical connections, terminals, guarding live parts and working with 600 volts. | $2,294 |
*ACV (Average Cost per Violation) - The dollar amount represents the average cost per violation that employers in this industry paid in 2017. To understand the full capacity and scope of each standard, click on the standard number to visit www.osha.gov and view the language in its entirety. Source: OSHA.gov
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