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 2019 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) - Following minimum performance requirements for controlling energy from the unexpected start-up of machines or equipment. | $5,593 | |
2. Hazard Communication - Properly transmitting information on chemical hazards through a comprehensive program, container labeling, SDS and training. | $1,665 | |
3. Respiratory Protection - Properly administering a respiratory protection program, selecting correct respirators, completing medical evaluations to determine which employees are required to use respirators and providing tight-fitting equipment. | $1,223 | |
4. General Requirements for All Machines - Providing proper machine guarding to protect the operator and other employees from hazards. | $7,820 | |
5. Powered Industrial Trucks - Ensuring safety of employees on powered industrial trucks through fire protection, design, maintenance and proper use. | $2,592 | |
6. Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment for General Use - Using proper wiring techniques and equipment to ensure safe electrical continuity. | $1,596 | |
7. Mechanical Power-transmission Apparatus - Following the general requirements on the use of power-transmission belts and the maintenance of the equipment. | $3,517 | |
8. Occupational Noise Exposure – Requirements for noise protection when sound levels exceed certain permissible exposure limits. | $3,800 | |
9. General Electrical Requirements - Ensuring electric equipment is free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. | $2,586 | |
10. Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for General Industry - Requirements relating to occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica (silica) in general industry. | $2,620 |
*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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