OSHA has updated its list of the most frequently cited standards for all industries for its fiscal year 2022, which runs from October 1-September 30. Not surprisingly, these are the same standards cited from 2021, only the order of some of the standards has changed. Hazard communication moved up to the number two spot while respiratory protection dropped to the number three spot. Other standards have shifted places within the list, but fall protection remains in the number one position from the previous year.
Top 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards for 2022
- Fall Protection, construction (1926.501)
- Hazard Communication, general industry (1910.1200)
- Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134)
- Ladders, construction (1926.1053)
- Scaffolding, construction (1926.451)
- Lockout/Tagout, general industry (1910.147)
- Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry (1910.212)
- Fall Protection Training, construction (1926.503)
- Eye and Face Protection, construction (1926.102)
- Machine Guarding, general industry (1910.212)
It is worth noting that fall protection has remained the most frequently cited OSHA standard for more than a decade. For 2022, there were more than 5,000 fall protection violations! Just last month, OSHA proposed more than $1 million in penalties and issued twelve citations to a contractor who disregarded fall protection workplace safety standards. In 2020, OSHA reported that 351 of the 1,008 construction workers’ deaths were due to falls from elevation. Another noteworthy trend from this year’s list is that hazard communication is now the second most frequently cited OSHA citation, up from the number five spot in 2021.
OSHA publishes this list each year to make employers aware of these frequently cited standards so that they can take steps to ensure a safe workplace for their employees. Familiarizing yourself with these top 10 cited standards can help keep your employees safe and can help you prepare when OSHA arrives at your facility. This Top 10 list is a good starting point when assessing the safety program in your workplace. When OSHA shows up on your job site, knowledge of safety standards is crucial. It is always best to be prepared for an inspection before it happens. Know your rights and obligations when OSHA arrives at your facility. Being proactive is paramount in keeping your employees safe and your business OSHA-compliant. If you need help with safety training, mock safety audits, safety consulting, fall protection, or any other OSHA workplace safety standard call us at 919-417-2139 or reach us through email at We have been helping companies meet and exceed OSHA safety standards for decades and have the knowledge and experience to help your company remain safe, productive, and profitable.
