Practical actions supervisors can use today to stop common OSHA violations and protect teams.
Table of Contents
OSHA compliance context
Focus daily walk-throughs on frequently cited standards:
“Effective supervision makes safety the way we work, not a poster on the wall.”
Top violations: supervisor actions
1) Fall Protection
- Require guardrails, PFAS, or nets when thresholds apply.
- Inspect harnesses and anchors before each use.
- Hold pre-task talks about fall hazards for the day.
- Fix issues fast and recheck elevated areas after breaks.
2) Hazard Communication
- Verify SDS are current and accessible.
- Check secondary container labels on walk-throughs.
- Reinforce pictograms, signal words, and PPE with micro-training.
- Use teach-back to confirm understanding.
3) Ladders
- Inspect rungs, rails, feet, and locks before use.
- Set correct angle and enforce 3-point contact.
- Secure when possible and remove damaged ladders from service.
4) Respiratory Protection
- Confirm medical clearance, fit testing, and seal checks.
- Store respirators clean and dry; replace filters on schedule.
- Monitor compliance during dusty or vapor-producing tasks.
5) Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO)
- Match written procedures to actual equipment.
- Require group lockout for multi-worker jobs; test for zero energy.
- Keep spare locks and tags at point of use; brief contractors.
6) Powered Industrial Trucks
- Verify operator training and refresher dates.
- Enforce seatbelts, horns at blind corners, and speed limits.
- Inspect forks, chains, tires, and alarms each shift; separate pedestrians.
7) Fall Protection Training
- Track who is trained and when refreshers are due.
- Run brief weekly refreshers; observe skills on the job.
- Document coaching moments to show improvement.
8) Scaffolding
- Ensure competent person inspections before each shift.
- Verify guardrails, midrails, toe boards, and safe access.
- Control loads and weather risks such as wind or ice.
9) Eye and Face Protection
- Place PPE dispensers at points of use and keep them stocked.
- Reinforce use during grinding, cutting, chemical handling, and hot work.
- Replace scratched lenses and damaged shields promptly.
10) Machine Guarding
- Confirm fixed guards and interlocks are installed and functional.
- Lock out equipment before removing any guard for maintenance.
- Train workers to report missing or loose guards immediately.
Stat highlights supervisors can use
Supervisor checklist
- Walk the area and remove or control hazards.
- Verify PPE is available, fits, and is used.
- Confirm training status for high-risk tasks scheduled today.
- Review lockout or tagout steps for planned maintenance.
- Inspect ladders, scaffolds, and fall protection gear.
- Check SDS access and labeling at active workstations.
- Observe one task start to finish and coach in the moment.
- Document corrections and assign owners with due times.
Quick tips
Daily 3-step process
Identify today’s top risks and assign checks.
Run a 5-minute talk, verify PPE, and start work.
Fix gaps the same day and record actions taken.
✅ Do
Document hazards and fixes, coach in real time, verify training before high-risk tasks.
⛔ Don’t
Ignore unlabeled containers, bypass or remove machine guards, skip daily ladder and scaffold checks.
Quick comparison: hazard vs. supervisor action
FAQs
Why do supervisors play such a big role in OSHA compliance?
They control daily work, set expectations, and correct hazards quickly. Most violations can be prevented through checks, coaching, and rapid corrections.
How often should supervisors perform safety inspections?
Do visible walk-throughs daily and one documented inspection weekly. Increase frequency during high-risk work or when conditions change.
Can supervisors be held liable for OSHA violations?
OSHA can cite responsible parties if they knowingly allow hazards or ignore requirements. Enforce rules, document actions, and request resources promptly.
Key takeaway
Use the checklist, coach in real time, and close gaps the same day. Effective supervision improves safety and supports OSHA compliance.