OSHA SearchOSHA records by employer

Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act: General Duty Clause

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

When no specific OSHA rule covers a hazard, OSHA can cite the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act: every employer must keep the workplace free of recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. OSHA uses it for hazards such as heat, workplace violence and ergonomics.

9,975citations since 2015
9,022employers cited
93%serious, willful or repeat
$4,351median penalty per item

OSHA has cited Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act 9,975 times since 2015, against 9,022 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $61,511,463 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

Industries cited most

  • Manufacturing 3,202
  • Construction 1,832
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 922
  • Transportation and Warehousing 737
  • Wholesale Trade 700
  • Retail Trade 604

States cited most

Recently cited employers