Top 5 OSHA Violations Small Montana Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to protecting your team and staying compliant, knowledge is power. Small businesses across Montana — especially in industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and the trades — often face steep fines and unexpected liabilities due to avoidable OSHA violations.

At Western Montana Safety Association, we work with businesses just like yours to proactively prevent these issues. Here are the top 5 most common OSHA violations we see in our region — and how you can stay ahead of them.

 
1. Lack of a Written Hazard Communication Program
OSHA requires that every business with hazardous materials or chemicals has a written Hazard Communication Program (HazCom), including SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) and employee training.

Why it happens: Small shops often assume this only applies to large manufacturers — but even cleaning chemicals count.

✅ Avoid it:

Keep updated SDSs on-site
Provide employee training
Use proper labeling and signage
👉 Learn more on our Custom Training Programs page.

 
2. Inadequate Fall Protection (Construction & Rooftop Work)
Fall protection is OSHA’s most cited violation nationwide, and Montana is no exception — especially with our active construction industry.

Why it happens: Crews move fast and shortcuts are tempting. Lack of guardrails, harnesses, or proper training can result in serious injuries and heavy penalties.

✅ Avoid it:

Use guardrails, harnesses, and fall arrest systems
Inspect equipment before use
Conduct regular risk assessments to evaluate job site hazards
👉 Schedule a Risk Assessment with our team.

 
3. Improper Use of Ladders and Scaffolding
Ladders and scaffolds are essential tools, but misusing them leads to many injuries.

Why it happens: Workers may use damaged ladders, incorrect heights, or unstable setups.

✅ Avoid it:

Train workers on safe setup and usage
Enforce inspection before each use
Ensure ladders/scaffolds meet height and load standards
👉 We offer targeted Job-Specific Safety Training to help crews stay safe.

 
4. Poor Recordkeeping & Missing OSHA Logs
Businesses with more than 10 employees are typically required to keep detailed safety records, including Forms 300, 301, and 300A.

Why it happens: Many business owners are unaware of the requirement or assume paper records are enough.

✅ Avoid it:

Maintain clear, accurate digital or physical records
Post Form 300A from February through April
Update records after every incident
👉 Let us simplify this for you on our Recordkeeping Services page.

 
5. No Emergency Response Plan
In Montana’s rural and industrial areas, emergency response is critical. OSHA requires a written plan and training in case of fires, medical events, or natural disasters.

Why it happens: Small teams often don’t know it’s a requirement or assume “common sense” is enough.

✅ Avoid it:

Create a written Emergency Response Plan
Assign evacuation roles and conduct regular drills
Provide first aid and fire response training
👉 See our Emergency Planning Services to get started.

 
Final Thoughts
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated — and it shouldn’t feel out of reach for small businesses. At Western Montana Safety, we believe in affordable, practical safety solutions that empower your business and protect your people.

🛠️ Ready to Get Ahead of OSHA?
Schedule a free consultation today. We’ll review your current practices, identify gaps, and help you build a plan that keeps your crew safe and your business compliant.

👉 Contact Us Now