The top 10 OSHA violations typically don't change much by industry from year to year. However, 2020 was a very different year for the healthcare industry. In fact, respiratory protection became the top violation, after being off the list altogether in 2019. As such, it is critical for health care providers to have solid respiratory programs in place—including a written program that details respirator selections, fit testing, medical evaluations and employee training.
Four violations related to OSHA's recordkeeping standards also made the top 10 violation list for 2020, clearly indicating that healthcare providers need to better understand these standards' requirements. These requirements include what is considered recordable when an injury or illness must be reported to OSHA, which documents must be kept and to whom they should be submitted. Horton Safety Consultants has a team of professionals who understand the inspection process and how these employers can minimize exposure to costly citations. Responding onsite to assist a client with an OSHA inspection is one of the most important services we offer.
Review the chart below to compare the top 10 OSHA violations for the health care industry between 2020 and 2019:
2020 | 2019 | ||
1 | Respiratory Protection (1910.134) | Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.1030) | |
2 | Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.1030) | Hazard Communication (1910.1200) | |
3 | Reporting Fatalities/Injuries (1904.39) | General Electrical Requirements (1910.303) | |
4 | Hazard Communication (1910.1200) | Reporting Fatalities/Injuries (1904.39) | |
5 | OSHA Recordkeeping (1904.4) | General PPE (1910.132) | |
6 | General PPE (1910.132) | Wiring Methods (1910.305) | |
7 | OSHA Recordkeeping Forms (1904.29) | Exit Routes (1910.37) | |
8 | General Electrical Requirements (1910.303) | Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) | |
9 | Fire Extinguishers (1910.157) | OSHA Recordkeeping Forms (1904.29) | |
10 | OSHA Recordkeeping - Providing Records (1904.40) | Fire Extinguishers (1910.157) | |