Rancho Mesa’s Alyssa Burley and Client Technology Coordinator, Brenda Khalil, discuss the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s List of Most Frequently Cited Standards for fiscal year 2024.
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Host: Alyssa Burley
Guest: Brenda Khalil
Editor: Jadyn Brandt
Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “News Room News” by Spence
© Copyright 2024. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved
transcript
Alyssa Burley: Welcome back everyone. My guest is Brenda Khalil, Client Technology Coordinator with Rancho Mesa. Today, we’re going to discuss the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s List of Most Frequently Cited Standards for fiscal year 2024. Brenda, welcome to the show.
Brenda Khalil: Good morning Alyssa, thanks for having me.
AB: Of course. Now, each year, OSHA compiles a list of the most common workplace safety violations. And understanding these numbers can provide insight for employers on potential safety issues within their organizations. And while OSHA’s list includes the top ten citations, well we’re just going to focus on the top five critical violations.
So Brenda, let’s count down the most common safety violations for the year. What was the fifth most-cited violation?
BK: So lockout and Tagout violations were the fifth most common types of violations this year. And these violations occur when the proper procedures for controlling hazardous energy releases are not followed when servicing machines or equipment. Proper lockout/tagout procedures are a must when performing machine maintenance, and there are a number of toolbox talks in SafetyOne™ that cover requirements, exceptions, and worker protection for lockout and tagout.
AB: All right. And there are definitely a number of ways to prepare your business and your employees using all of the resources that Rancho Mesa has to offer.
So, will you explain the fourth OSHA violation?
BK: Sure, Respiratory Protection was the fourth most-common type of OSHA violation. Contaminants in the air of a jobsite like dust, vapors or gasses require specific protection. Employers are also required to develop and administer a respiratory protection program.
AB: And, we also have Dust and Respiratory Protection toolbox talks available in SafetyOne™, which can be used as part of a safety program.
So Brenda, what can you tell us about the third violation on OSHA’s top 10 list?
BK: Ladders was the third most common reason for OSHA citations this year. And there are many safety requirements when it comes to the use of ladders on a job site. They range from placement and weight limits, to manufacture date. A full list of requirements can be found on the OSHA website. And Rancho Mesa has a number of SafetyOne™ toolbox talks available for clients that cover ladder safety. And an hour-long Ladder Safety module is also available through the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.
AB: Good point, and the Safety Star Program is a great resource for anyone looking to develop their own safety program.
So, what was the second most common OSHA violation this year?
BK: The second most common violation was Hazard Communication. OSHA Hazard Communication guidelines require the dangers of the chemicals that a company produces or imports to be available and understandable to workers. And those dangers are required to be posted in the form of safety labels and posters. Rancho Mesa offers a Hazard Communication toolbox talk in both English and Spanish, through the SafetyOne™ platform.
AB: Okay, now let’s talk about the number one OSHA citation, everybody get ready!
So what was it?
BK: Well, not surprising, Fall Protection was once again the leading cause of OSHA workplace violations. And the administration reported over 6,000 violations this year; and that’s significantly more than any other violation. A citation might be issued due to a lack of fall protection, such as safety harnesses, hand rails or toe-boards. And to combat this, regular training on fall hazards and how to properly use safety equipment is essential to avoiding injury while at work.
That being said, there are a number of toolbox talks available through SafetyOne™ on fall prevention. And Rancho Mesa’s RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program also offers a Fall Protection safety training.
AB: Those are all great resources, especially since we know from past years that fall protection is almost always the number one safety violation.
Well, it seems there are a lot of important safety rules employers should be aware of to avoid injuries on the job site or a costly fine. But, as you’ve mentioned, Rancho Mesa’s RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program and the SafetyOne™ platform are both great resources to train employees in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
So Brenda, if anyone has questions about how to access those resources, and train their employees on the top OSHA safety violations, what is the best way to get in touch with you?
BK: As always, clients can contact me at bkhalil@ranchomesa.com or they can call me directly at (619) 486-6562.
AB: All right, well Brenda, thank you for joining me in StudioOne™.
BK: Thanks for having me!
