New Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforcement guidance set to take effect on March 27, 2023, will expand OSHA’s authority to issue instance-by-instance, or “IBI,” citations. Since 1990, OSHA has issued such IBI citations only upon finding “egregious willful violations,” but the new guidance – set forth in OSHA’s January 26, 2023 memorandum – permits OSHA to issue IBI citations for certain “high-gravity” serious violations.

OSHA has announced the top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety regulations in fiscal year 2017.  The top 5 standards remain the same as last year, with slight movement in the rankings of other standards.  Employers should consider using this list as guidance for their workplace safety programs and their internal compliance audits.