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 2021 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. | $10,596 | |
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. | $9,959 | |
3. Powered Industrial Trucks – Powered industrial trucks include forklifts and fork trucks. This standard's requirements include operator training, inspections and safe work practices. | $3,867 | |
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. | $3,395 | |
5. Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals – Process Safety Management is the safe management of highly hazardous chemicals. The standard includes applicable chemicals with thresholds, a written program, process hazard assessments, operating procedures, employee training and inspections. | $7,445 | |
6. Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment for General Use – This standard refers to the practice of using the proper methods when wiring different setups. Requirements include following proper methods for temporary wiring, cable trays, electrical cabinets and switches. | $2,296 | |
7. 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. | $3,165 | |
8. 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. | $3,216 | |
9. 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. | $3,296 | |
10. OSH Act General Duty Paragraph – The General Duty Clause requires that employers provide a safe work environment. It is often used when a hazard is not already covered by an existing standard. | $10,988 |
*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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