OSHA Reveals Top 10 Citations List for 2023

Dangers associated with working at elevated heights continue to be a pressing concern, as reflected in the latest statistics released on November 2, 2023.

For the 13th consecutive year, fall protection general requirements have maintained their dubious distinction as the most frequently cited violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Eric Harbin, the Region 6 Administrator, revealed OSHA's annual top 10 list during the recent National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo held in New Orleans. These findings are based on the recorded violations from the 2023 fiscal year, spanning from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.

With a staggering 7,271 violations, Fall Protection-General Requirements claimed the top spot, surpassing the second-highest cited item, Hazard Communication, by more than double (3,213 violations). Ladders (2,978) and Scaffolding (2,859) secured the third and fourth positions on the list, underscoring the critical importance of implementing proper safety measures when working at elevated heights.

The ranking of the top 10 violations largely mirrored the 2022 standings, with only two items shifting more than one position. Respiratory Protection slipped from fourth to seventh, while Powered Industrial Trucks ascended from seventh to fifth.