Citations to avoid

Each year, a host of entities publish documents listing the most frequently cited citations by OSHA on the job. Because this long list of citations do not all apply to the crane and rigging industry, I have developed an industry specific list of citations that do apply. This list is based on research and information gathered from OSHA cases, insurance companies and client data from Construction Safety Experts Inc.

Some of the citations in our list were issued from the OSHA General Duty Clause, requiring all employers to provide each of their employees a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

Violations of the respiratory protection requirements were related to companies with painting or welding operations. Crane and rigging, fall protection, hazard communication and powered industrial trucks are programs and violations that have an impact on the safety and health programs of all crane and rigging companies.

A good systematic safety program will provide a safe workplace for employees, allowing employers to create a “Safety Culture” that their management and employees will learn to appreciate.

A systematic safety program will also help to eliminate OSHA safety citations, lower insurance premiums, and will have a direct impact on the profitability of a company.

The main reason to provide a safety training and education program for employees is to keep employees safe, showing that you value the well being of your employees. The second best reason is that you really can not afford not to so.

OSHA 1926.550 Cranes

• Top citations were failure to:

• Furnish a crane operator's manual at the work site prior to operating the crane.

• De-energize electrical lines or maintains minimum clearance distances.

• Obtain the manufacturer's written approval before making modifications to a crane.

• A willful citation for not ensuring that deficient or defective parts identified by a safety inspection were not repaired or replaced before continued use of the crane.

• Ensure that defective rigging was removed from service.

• Operating a crane with improperly adjusted components.

• Maintain a record and results of monthly crane inspections.

• Clear visibility from all windows in the operators cab.

• To provide anti-skid surfaces on all platforms and walkways on the crane.

• To ensure that all special warnings or instructions were posted in that the controls were not labeled and load rating chart was not valid.

OSHA 1926.501 Fall Protection/Construction

• Top citations were failure to: • Provide personal fall arrest system.

• Train employees in the inspection and use of fall arrest systems.

• Provide proper construction and installation of fall arrest safety systems.

• Proper supervision of fall protection program, policies and procedures.

Lack of employee training.

OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection

• Top citations were failure to:

• Establish and implement a written program

• Provide Appendix D when voluntary use is deemed permissible.

• Conduct medical evaluations

• Employee training and can demonstrate knowledge of training.

OSHA 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks

• Top citations were failure to:

• Provide a program and operator certification.

• Employer to remove unsafe trucks from operation.

• Inspect powered industrial trucks.

• Ensure operator competency and training.

• Provide a qualified trainer approved by the employer.

OSHA 1926.451 Scaffolding/Construction

• Top citations were failure to:

• Provide fall protection.

• Properly supported scaffolding.

• Provide proper access and egress.

• Have an employee trained as a competent person.

• Train employees of the hazard of working on the scaffolding.

OSHA 1910.147 Lockout/Tagout

• Top citations were failure to:

• Establish an energy control program.

• Assure new employee training.

• Supply written energy control procedures.

• Yearly employee re-training.

• Periodic inspections of persons using the program and annual review of the program.