Respiratory Protection Moves Up on OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Cited Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its list of the 10 most frequently cited safety and health violations for the 2020 fiscal year. Respiratory protection made the top 10 list again, moving from a fifth-place ranking in 2019, to the third most cited violation for 2020.

Some airborne hazards faced by workers may cause cancer, lung impairment, asthma, and other diseases, or death in extreme circumstances. Respiratory protection is crucial for health and safety purposes which is why millions of workers across the United States are required to wear respirators in toxic work environments.

“OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard applies to all occupational airborne exposures to contaminated air where an employee is exposed to hazardous levels of airborne contaminants, and/or where an employee is required or permitted by the employer to wear a respirator,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Respiratory protection plays a critical role in worker health and safety in so many industries. Approved respirators are essential for workers in two ways. First, by the removal of contaminants from the air, this includes particulate respirators which filter out airborne particles and air-purifying respirators with cartridges or canisters that filter out chemicals and gases. The second category of respirators supply clean respirable air from another source, these include airline respirators which use compressed air from a remote source and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Complying with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard not only safeguards workers but is essential for avoiding costly noncompliance penalties.”

To highlight the importance of respiratory protection and other common health and safety issues faced by workers, EMSL recently sponsored an educational video detailing OSHA’s top 10 citations for 2020. It can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/xmf4muiWDDE.

For access to a complete line of respirators, filters, accessories, fit testing supplies, and other PPE from EMSL’s Products Division, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail