OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations: What You Need to Fix Now
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, companies all over the U.S. are looking at their safety programs for the coming year. Making workplaces safer is an obvious need every company should make a priority. Our job as safety compliance consultants is to help companies do just that.
Planning for 2026 is easier when safety teams know what to pay attention to. To that end, here are OSHA’s top 10 standards with the most cited violations for the 2025 fiscal year.
Here is the OSHA Top 10 Most Cited Safety Violations for 2025
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements
The Fall Protection standard requires employers to provide appropriate fall protection systems to guard against falls from height. Systems must also be properly maintained. They include things like guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety nets.
2. Hazard Communication
The OSHA standard on hazard communication mandates that employers inform and train their workers on any and all hazardous chemicals at the workplace. Employers are expected to utilize labeling and safety data sheets (SDS). They are expected to provide ongoing training to ensure safe handling of these materials.
3. Ladders
The Ladders standard applies to the use and maintenance of ladders in the workplace. It requires employers to pay attention to equipment condition. It requires proper employee training so as to prevent falls and their subsequent injuries.
4. Control of Hazardous Energy
Also known as the Lockout/Tagout standard, it is intended to control hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment. The standard requires procedures and policies that will prevent unintended energization that could lead to serious injury and death.
5. Respiratory Protection
In order to protect employees against respiratory diseases and injuries, the Respiratory Protection standard mandates employer-provided respirators, employee medical evaluations, fit testing, and full training in respirator use and maintenance.
6. Fall Protection Training
Fall protection training enhances knowledge of the workers in the requirements and proper use of safety equipment to keep workers from accidental falls. OSHA requires employers to train their workers in spotting fall hazards. Workers must also be trained in the proper use of fall protection systems.
7. Scaffolding
OSHA’s Scaffolding standard governs the proper installation, maintenance, and use of scaffolding. The standard is designed to prevent injuries related to falls and scaffold failures. Unsafe practices are also covered under the standard.
8. Powered Industrial Trucks
This standard governs the safe use of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks in the workplace. It mandates that all operators be trained and certified. Operators are required to always follow safe operating procedures. It is up to employers to ensure operator compliance.
9. Personal Protective Equipment – Eye and Face Protection
The standard pertains to appropriate eye and face protection that guards against chemicals, airborne debris, and light radiation. Employers are required to provide the necessary PPE along with training in how to use it properly.
10. Machine Guarding
OSHA Standard for machine guarding mandates that machinery be equipped with appropriate guards designed to protect workers from injury. Without guards, workers are susceptible to incidents that could cause impact injuries, crushing injuries, and even amputations.
Prepare NOW for The Coming Year and Mitigate OSHA Violations
OSHA is serious about enforcing all workplace safety standards. During the fiscal year 2025, thousands of violations were reported. OSHA responded with a variety of warnings, penalties, and corrective actions. If your organization is weak in any of these areas, act now and be prepared.
Contact Us for a Free Safety Inspection
As safety compliance consultants, we can work with your safety team to identify potential hazards and correct them before OSHA steps in. Let us help you in creating a strong safety culture!
Contact Compliance Consultants, Inc. to get a FREE safety inspection today! It’s the best way to ensure worker safety and avoid violations.
