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'Top 10' most cited OSHA violations of 2020

OSHA Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released preliminary data for its top 10 most cited violations for 2020. The list remained unchanged from 2019, with one exception — ladder violations rose from No. 6 to No. 5.

It should be of no surprise that these violations are also the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths. The New Jersey workers' compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC often help injured workers who have sustained head injuries, back injuries, occupational illnesses, burns, broken bones and soft tissue injuries. If you've been hurt on the job, our legal team can help make you whole again.

Below, you'll find the list of the most cited OSHA violations and how these violations endanger workers. OSHA compiled the data for the list from the 2020 fiscal year.

OSHA's top 10 violations list

  1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) - 5,424 violations. Employers must provide protection systems and implement safety guidelines to prevent workplace falls.
  2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) - 3,199 violations. Employers must classify stored hazardous chemicals and communicate classifications, storage information and hazards to employees.
  3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) - 2,649 violations. Employers must take measures to control toxic fumes, dusts, mists, gases, smokes, sprays and vapors. Workers who often breathe in toxic substances develop serious and fatal lung diseases.
  4. Scaffolding (1926.451) - 2,538 violations. Employers must ensure that scaffolds are capable of supporting their own weight and at least 4 times the maximum load applied. Failure to do so often leads to serious and fatal falls from heights.
  5. Ladders (1926.1053) - 2,129 violations. Under this standard, ladders used on worksites must be able to support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders must be able to support at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
  6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) - 2,065 violations. Machines and heavy equipment must be powered off, locked out and tagged out when not in use. When machines aren't properly secured, workers often sustain serious injuries, such as amputations, burns and electric injuries.
  7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) - 1,932 violations. Under this standard, employers must use powered industrial trucks and vehicles that meet specific design and construction requirements, and are properly maintained and inspected.
  8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) - 1,621 violations. This standard requires employers to provide fall protection training to workers who are susceptible to falls. Employees should be able to recognize fall hazards and address them quickly.
  9. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) - 1,369 violations. Employers must provide eye and face protection to workers who are at risk of contact with flying particles and hazardous substances. Failure to do so can result in serious eye injuries and even permanent blindness.
  10. Machine Guarding (1910.212) - 1,313 violations. Machine guards help protect workers from getting body parts or clothing stuck in machinery. They also prevent parts, chips and sparks from hitting employees.

Contact our New Jersey workers' compensation and construction site accident attorneys

No matter who was at fault for your workplace injury, workers' compensation in New Jersey is a no-fault system. That means you must only prove that your injury occurred on the job to be eligible for benefits. Getting workers' compensation benefits won't be easy, however. There are several steps you should follow in order to build a strong case. Here's what we recommend doing:

  • Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible, before evidence disappears. Make sure you keep a copy of the incident report.
  • Get to a doctor as soon as possible. Mention that you sustained an injury at work. You will also need proof of your medical diagnosis, doctor recommendations and treatment. Be sure to get a copy of your medical record, and save medical bills and receipts.
  • Speak to our experienced workers' compensation and construction site accident attorneys before filing a claim. Filing a claim is often a confusing process, especially for first-time filers. We'll work with you every step of the way and ensure that your application is error-free.

With law offices in Shrewsbury and Freehold, New Jersey, our legal team is dedicated to helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. Our consultations are confidential and free of charge. Contact us online or call us to pursue your claim.

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