Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2024

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released their top 10 safety violations for 2024. Each fiscal year, the organization provides an updated list of the most frequently cited safety violations, offering insight into common safety oversights. As workplace safety remains a critical concern for employers and employees alike, companies continue to remain vigilant and ensure compliance with OSHA standards to avoid accidents and protect their workforce.

Read the top 10 OSHA violations of 2024 below, as well as how to avoid these citations and keep your company safe and compliant for all personnel.

Top 10 OSHA Safety Violations of 2024

Analyzing the Top OSHA Violations of 2024

This year's Top 10 OSHA violations were revealed at the National Safety Council's (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida on September 27th. Overall, 2024 noted 26,207 OSHA violations, a 10% reduction from last year's total of 28,912. While violations are down across the board, the top 10 categories remain the same from last year's Top 10, indicating similar trends year-over-year. 

NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin commented on these persistent trends over the past few years:

"As a safety community, it's critical we come together to acknowledge these persistent trends and identify solutions to better protect our workforces."

Below shows a comparison of the same top 10 OSHA violation categories and their differences in violation counts:

Top 10 OSHA Violations: 2023 vs. 2024 Comparison

Fall Protection Continues to Dominate OSHA Violations

For the fourteenth consecutive year, fall protection OSHA violations lead the top 10 list with more than 6,000 citations. This number more than doubles the number two category - Hazard Communication - which sits at 2,888 violations for FY 2024.

General fall protection violations saw a noticeable difference from last year's record-breaking total of 7,271. However, apart from last year's violations, 2024's total remains the highest since 2018.

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, making this violation a persistent issue across various industries, especially construction. Many of the fall protection violations involve the failure to provide fall protection, such as guard rails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems in place when workers are exposed to potential falls from heights of 6 feet or more. Specifically, OSHA Standard 1926.501(b)(13), which details the need of safety systems described above, reported the most citations of fall protection violations, totaling 5,087 this year.

Other fall protection-related OSHA violations involve improper use of personal fall arrest systems, unprotected roof edges and openings, and lack of fall protection training, which saw 2,050 violations in FY 2024 alone.

How to Avoid OSHA Violations

To help companies avoid receiving OSHA violations, here are several strategies to implement in order to maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards:

1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits

Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents. These audits should evaluate all aspects of workplace safety, including equipment, facilities, and employee behavior​.

Also, consider regularly assessing your workplace for new hazards, especially when introducing new equipment or processes. This allows you to address potential risks before they lead to injuries​

2. Maintain Accurate and Up-to-Date Records

OSHA requires accurate records of all safety training, inspections, and incidents. Proper documentation ensures that companies are prepared in case of an OSHA inspection.

3. Provide Comprehensive Employee Training

Ensure that employees are properly trained on the use of equipment, hazardous materials, fall protection, and other safety procedures relevant to their work. Refresher training should be offered regularly to keep skills sharp​

4. Develop and Enforce Written Safety Programs

Create formal safety programs that address the specific hazards of the workplace. For example, lockout/tagout procedures, respiratory protection programs, and emergency action plans should be clearly outlined and communicated to all employees​

• READ: How to Create a Fall Rescue Plan

5. Ensure Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must provide the necessary PPE for employees and ensure they are trained on its correct use. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure that PPE is in good condition.

Keep Personnel Safe with Fall Protection

Fall protection keeps your personnel safe while working from various heights or confined spaces. Our line of fall protection products allows you to find the necessary components to complete your personal fall arrest systems and maintain safety amongst your employees. Additionally, we also carry fall protection kits that include a safety harness, lanyard, and other compatible equipment for your job's needs.

• LEARN: ABC's of Fall Protection & Personal Arrest Systems

Providing fall protection is just one part of mitigating risks and hazards on your job site. While the top 10 OSHA violations for 2024 have decreased, these categories continue to pose significant risks in the workplace.

For more detailed information about specific guidelines, go to OSHA's website and stay up-to-date on the most recent standards.

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Get In Touch with Your Dedicated Account Manager

ALEX LEDGER
Email: aledger@uscargocontrol.com 
Phone: 1-319-774-1197

Alex Ledger has been with US Cargo Control for over 9 years, enhancing his knowledge and expertise in the rigging and lifting industry. He currently is a member of the Allied Industries Group Governing Committee for the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). Fun fact: Alex enjoys the outdoors and has even hiked to the summit of Mount St. Helens!