Most Frequently Cited OSHA Construction Standards

John Newquist

Draft 2 1 2014

# 1 Most Cited - Construction• 1926.501(b)(13) – Fall

Protection in Residential• Most violations are for no

fall arrest on the roof. • This has been #1 cited since

2007.

Work subject to a fall. No fall arrest provided. No guardrails at the window openings.

#2 Most Cited - Construction• 1926.1053(b)(1) – Training

in the safe use of ladders• Ladders falls killed over 100

workers in the last ten year. • Consider eliminating work

from ladders. • Consider putting up

scaffold towers with stairs for access.

Ladders need to extend 3 feet above the landing. Worker at the top is exposed to a fall also.

#3 Most Cited - Construction

• 1926.501(b)(1)• Open sided floors 6 feet

were not protected with standard guardrails or equivalent.

• Guardrails must be 200 pounds of strength.

• Consider putting toeboards to prevent slipping under midrails. Caution tape does not meet 200

pounds guardrails.

#4 Most Cited - Construction• 1926.100(a) – Hard

Hats• Several fatalities with

workers hit by falling objects.

• Struck by falling objects has killed hundreds in the last 10 years.

Workers around fallen pole have no hard hats.

#5 Most Cited - Construction

• 1926.102(b)(1)• No safety glasses• Hundred of eye injuries

each year from work. • http://www.cdc.gov/nio

sh/topics/eye/

• CPRW has dozens of free tool box talks. http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/CPWR_Eye_Protection.pdf

Eye protection is not worn.

#6 Most Cited - Construction• 1926.451(g)(1) –

Fall Protection on Scaffolding

• Fall protection starts at 10 feet.

• Consider requiring fall protection on scaffolds over 4 feet since it is feasible.

No guardrails on the levels where the workers are working.

#7 Most Cited - Construction

• 1926.501(b)(10) • No fall protection for flat

roofing• Consider using parapet

guardrails and a portable Raptor type fall arrest anchorage.

No fall protection at the roof edge

Raptor type Fall arrest has saved lives on flat roofs.

Parapet clamp type guardrails.

#8 Most Cited - Construction

• 1926.453(b)(2)(v) – Fall Protection in Aerial Lifts

• Users must receive training in the manufacturer’s instruction.

• http://www.ipaf.org/ has training material

• These aerial lifts must be operated on level surfaces.

• Consider requiring fall arrest in scissor lifts since so many fatalities. (see lower photo)

Worker above is not wearing fall arrest

#9 Most Cited - Construction• 1926.451(e)(1) - Scaffold

Access/Egress• Many citations involve

climbing on the cross bracing.

Worker will be exposed to fall to get to the scaffold.

#10 Most Cited - Construction

• 1926.451(b)(1) – Scaffold not Fully Planked each working level

Not fully planked, no guardrails, not fully cross braced.

Resources

• www.osha.gov• On-site Consultation (FREE)• Quick Takes http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes• Comments or Corrections go to John Newquist• johnanewquist@gmail.com• Follow me on Linked-In, Slideshare, Twitter and

Facebook.• Thanks to all the hard working OSHA people who

make this possible. Thanks to Janet for proofing this.