Every year, OSHA releases a list of its Top 10 Most Cited Workplace Safety Standards – but many employers are not aware of this list, which can be of great assistance in eliminating the most dangerous workplace situations. To address this problem, we will be providing focused Insights over the course of 2023 discussing the most common workplace safety violations and some other workplace safety areas that frequently require employer attention. And of course, we’ll offer tips to help you create a safer workplace. This month, we’ll start with the most frequently cited workplace safety standard: fall protection.

Notably, Fall Protection is notorious for being the most cited workplace safety standard. This past year marked Fall Protection’s 12th straight year at the top of OSHA’s Top 10 list, with over 5,900 cited violations.

Whether an employee works at heights on a daily basis or just occasionally, safe fall protection practices are critical to ensuring employee safety. When dealing with work performed off of the ground, all it takes is one mistake to turn a routine task into a serious injury or fatality. Fall protection violations can include improper use of ladders, improper guarding, holes in floors, tripping hazards, and employees working without fall protection. 

Here are seven quick and easy tips to consider when dealing with fall protection:

Working safely at heights doesn’t happen by luck. It requires education, preparation, and consistent implementation. The more you can instill these principles into your employees, the safer they will be.

If you have any questions about compliance, contact the author of this insight, any member of the Workplace Safety Practice Group, or your Fisher Phillips attorney for guidance. Make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips’ Insight System to get the most up-to-date information on workplace safety issues.

©2023 Fisher & Phillips LLP. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.