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Maintaining a safe workplace isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s crucial for protecting employees and ensuring smooth operations. Every year, Cal/OSHA cites thousands of violations that put workers at risk and cost companies valuable time and money. Understanding the most common violations and how to prevent them is the first step toward building a safer work environment.
Here are the Top 10 Most Common Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety Violations and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements
Falls remain the leading cause of workplace injuries. Failure to provide adequate fall protection equipment and training is a common violation.
Fall Protection – General Requirements: ~5,000–6,000 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Use guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets as required.
Train employees on fall prevention techniques and the proper use of equipment.
2. Hazard Communication
Many workplaces fail to properly communicate hazards associated with chemicals and other materials.
Hazard Communication: ~3,500–4,000 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Ensure all hazardous substances are labeled correctly.
Provide employees with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training on chemical safety.
3. Scaffolding
Improperly constructed scaffolding can lead to serious injuries.
Scaffolding: ~2,500–3,000 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Inspect scaffolding regularly to ensure it meets safety standards.
Train workers in scaffold safety protocols.
4. Respiratory Protection
Failing to provide proper respiratory protection can expose workers to harmful substances.
Respiratory Protection: ~2,000–2,500 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Conduct hazard assessments to determine respiratory risks.
Provide appropriate respirators and fit tests for employees.
5. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance can result in severe injuries.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): ~1,500–2,000 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Train employees on LOTO procedures.
Use appropriate devices to secure energy sources during maintenance.
6. Ladders
Improper use of ladders frequently leads to accidents and injuries.
Ladders: ~2,000–2,500 citations per year. How to Prevent It:
Inspect ladders for defects before use.
Train workers on safe ladder usage and load limits.
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
Improper operation of forklifts is a common cause of workplace accidents.
Powered Industrial Trucks: ~2,000–2,500 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Provide training for forklift operators.
Perform regular maintenance checks on equipment.
8. Machine Guarding
Inadequate machine guards can expose workers to moving parts, leading to severe injuries.
Machine Guarding: ~1,500–2,000 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Install and maintain proper machine guards.
Train workers to recognize the importance of these safeguards.
9. Electrical Wiring Methods
Unsafe electrical practices, such as exposed wiring, pose significant risks.
Electrical Wiring Methods: ~1,500 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Follow Cal/OSHA electrical safety standards.
Conduct regular inspections to identify and fix electrical hazards.
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Lack of proper PPE contributes to many workplace injuries.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): ~1,000–1,500 citations per year.
How to Prevent It:
Assess the job site for PPE requirements.
Provide appropriate PPE and train workers on its use.
Cost Per Citation
Cal/OSHA and OSHA impose financial penalties based on the severity and type of violation:
Serious Violations: $15,625 per violation (maximum fine as of 2024).
Willful or Repeated Violations: Up to $156,259 per violation.
Failure to Abate: $15,625 per day beyond the abatement date.
For top 10 violations, most citations fall under the serious category, with average fines ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 per citation. Repeat offenders can face significantly higher costs.
Total Costs
With thousands of citations issued annually for these top violations, the collective cost to businesses nationwide exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars each year, not including indirect costs like lost productivity, worker compensation claims, and reputational damage.
Stay Ahead of Safety Violations Avoiding these common violations not only helps you maintain compliance with Cal/OSHA standards but also fosters a safer, more productive work environment. At Cal Safety Solution, we offer comprehensive training programs and resources to help you protect your employees and avoid costly penalties. Let us partner with you to create a safer workplace.
Contact Us Today!
Visit our website or call us at (800) 433-9819 to learn more about our Cal/OSHA-certified training programs. Together, we can make safety a priority in your workplace.
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