OSHA’s Top Money Makers for 2005

Each year we try to keep the spring industry abreast of OSHA’s activities and where their efforts have been concentrated.

OSHA’s fiscal year ending September 2005 was much like past years with a few exceptions. During 2005, OSHA issued more willful violations than in any previous year – 62 percent more than in 2004. Also, there were more un-programmed inspections, more inspections resulting from employee complaints, and more inspections based on referrals from other agencies.

The following is a list of the 25 most frequently violated standards for general industry with initial penalties:

1. Hazard Communication
– Written program $464

2. Machine Guarding $1,932

3. Hazard Communication
– Lack of training $228

4. Machine Guarding
– Point of operation $2,304

5. First aid/eye wash/shower
– Too far from employees $1,154

6. Guarding floor openings,
platforms, runways $1,752

7. Lockout – Establish
energy control program $1,151

8. Bench grinders – Guards
not adjusted properly $391

9. Hazard Communication
– Chemicals without MSDS $138

10. Lockout – No written energy
control procedure $1,720

11. Respiratory protection
– No medical evaluation $674

12. Respiratory protection
– No written program $683

13. Electrical wiring methods $731

14. Hazard Communication
– Lack of employee information $224

15. Forklifts – Operator training $1,337

16. Hazard Communication
– Labeling containers $329

17. Power Transmission
– Belt and Pulley guarding $1,012

18. Electrical – Approved use $782

19. Lockout – Training and
communication $1,046

20. Abrasive grinders – No work rests $699

21. Electrical – Cabinets, boxes
and covers $683

22. Compressed air
– Excess of 30 p.s.i. $743

23. Lockout – No periodic
program inspection $752

24. Personal protective equipment
– Provide, maintain, use $1,755

25. Hazard Communication
– Maintain current MSDSs $142

OSHA also used the General Duty Clause 1,177 times with an average penalty of $3,154.

Jim’s Regulatory Tip:

Be prepared – Don’t think it can’t happen to you. A Nebraska company selected for a safety inspection under OSHA’s site-specific targeting program was cited in May for 33 safety and health violations and penalties totaling $126,500. The hazards cited covered machine guarding, forklifts, lockout/tagout, electrical equipment, noise, chemical labeling and inadequate employee training.