Respiratory Protection is the Third Most Cited OSHA Violation for Fiscal Year 2022

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its preliminary list of the 10 most frequently cited safety and health violations for the 2022 fiscal year. Respiratory protection made the top 10 list yet again, dropping to third place from second place for 2022. For the past three years, it has been one of the top three most frequently cited violations.

Airborne hazards exist in countless industries where workers can be exposed to substances that may cause cancer, lung impairment, allergies, asthma or other diseases. In extreme circumstances, exposure to some substances can lead to death.

Properly used and approved respirators protect workers in two ways. First, by the removal of contaminants from the air. These include particulate respirators that filter out airborne particles and air-purifying respirators with cartridges or canisters that filter out chemicals and gases. The second category supplies clean respirable air from another source. These include airline respirators which use compressed air from a remote source and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

“It is unfortunate that respiratory protection is once again one of the most frequently cited OSHA standards,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard applies to all occupational airborne exposures to contaminated air where employees are exposed to a hazardous level of an airborne contaminant; required by the employer to wear respirators; or permitted to wear respirators. Complying with the Respiratory Protection Standard not only safeguards workers, it is also essential for avoiding costly noncompliance penalties.”

To bring attention to the importance of respiratory protection and other common health and safety issues faced by workers, EMSL Analytical recently sponsored an educational video detailing OSHA’s preliminary top 10 list of citations for 2022. It can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yHL-wRj0Hts

For access to respirators, filters, accessories, fit testing supplies and other PPE, or for gas detectors and air monitoring instruments, 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