OSHA violations can cost construction companies thousands of dollars in fines, project delays, and legal liability. The good news? Many of the most common violations can be prevented through proper documentation in daily logs. Here are the top 10 OSHA violations and how comprehensive daily logs help prevent them.
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. OSHA requires fall protection when working at heights of 6 feet or more, but many sites fail to implement or document proper protection measures.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document daily inspections of fall protection systems, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Record when workers are trained on fall protection and verify equipment is in good condition. Photos with timestamps provide evidence of compliance.
Workers must be informed about hazardous chemicals on site. Many violations occur when companies fail to maintain safety data sheets (SDS) or properly label hazardous materials.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Record when hazardous materials are delivered, where they're stored, and confirm that SDS sheets are accessible. Document worker training on chemical hazards and verify proper labeling is maintained daily.
Improperly constructed or maintained scaffolding causes numerous injuries and fatalities. Common violations include missing guardrails, inadequate footing, and overloaded platforms.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document daily scaffolding inspections before use, including photos of any issues found and repairs made. Record who conducted the inspection and when. This creates a paper trail proving due diligence.
Workers exposed to dust, fumes, or other airborne hazards must have proper respiratory protection. Violations occur when respirators aren't provided, fit-tested, or maintained properly.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Record when respiratory protection is required, verify workers have been fit-tested, and document daily checks of equipment condition. Note any air quality concerns and protective measures taken.
Failure to properly lock out energy sources during equipment maintenance leads to serious injuries. Many companies lack proper procedures or fail to train workers.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document when lockout/tagout procedures are used, who performed the work, and verify training records. Record equipment maintenance activities and confirm proper procedures were followed.
Improper ladder use causes thousands of injuries annually. Common violations include using damaged ladders, incorrect angles, or failing to secure ladders properly.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document daily ladder inspections, note any damaged equipment removed from service, and record proper setup procedures. Photos can show correct ladder placement and angle.
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks require operator certification and regular inspections. Violations occur when operators aren't trained or equipment isn't properly maintained.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Record daily equipment inspections, verify operator certifications are current, and document any maintenance issues. Note when new operators are trained and certified.
Machinery must have proper guards to prevent contact with moving parts. Many violations occur when guards are removed or bypassed, or when new equipment lacks proper guarding.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document daily checks that machine guards are in place and functioning. Record any repairs needed and verify guards are replaced before equipment is used. Photos provide evidence of compliance.
Improper electrical installations cause fires, shocks, and fatalities. Common violations include exposed wiring, improper grounding, and use of damaged equipment.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document electrical work performed, verify qualified electricians performed installations, and record daily inspections of electrical systems. Note any issues found and repairs made immediately.
Workers must have appropriate PPE for their tasks, but many sites fail to provide, maintain, or enforce proper use of protective equipment.
How Daily Logs Prevent It: Document daily that required PPE is available, in good condition, and being used properly. Record when new equipment is issued and verify workers are trained on proper use. Photos show workers using appropriate protection.
Properly maintained daily logs serve as evidence of your commitment to safety and compliance. When OSHA inspectors visit, comprehensive documentation shows:
This documentation can reduce fines, demonstrate due diligence in legal proceedings, and help you identify patterns that need attention before they become violations.
BuildLog is the leading construction compliance app that helps prevent OSHA violations through comprehensive daily logging. Our AI-powered compliance checks identify potential issues before they become violations, and voice reporting makes documentation fast and easy.
Try BuildLog FreeMost OSHA violations are preventable with proper documentation and attention to detail. Comprehensive daily logs not only help prevent violations but also protect your business when inspectors visit. By documenting safety measures, inspections, and training daily, you demonstrate your commitment to worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Don't let preventable violations cost your business. Start maintaining comprehensive daily logs today with a construction compliance app that makes documentation fast, easy, and thorough.