OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to enhance their occupational safety practices and compliance programs.
This Year’s Top Violations
For 2025, the top 10 most cited standards were as follows:
- Fall protection—General requirements (1926.501): 5,914 total violations
- Hazard communication (1910.1200): 2,546 total violations
- Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 total violations
- Control of hazardous energy—Lockout/tagout (1910.147): 2,177 total violations
- Respiratory protection (1910.134): 1,953 total violations
- Fall protection—Training requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations
- Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 total violations
- Powered industrial trucks (1910.178): 1,826 total violations
- Personal protective and life-saving equipment—Eye and face protection (1926.102): 1,665 total violations
- Machine guarding (1910.212): 1,239 total violations
Keep in mind that this data is preliminary and may be subject to change.
Key Takeaways
Several standards changed positions from fiscal year 2024. For instance, “Respiratory protection” moved down from number four to number five, and “Scaffolding” violations moved up from number eight to number seven. “Fall protection—General requirements” remained OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 15th consecutive fiscal year.
Considering these findings, here are some best practices employers can implement to help prevent OSHA violations:
- Train employees on the specific hazards they may face in their roles and related protective measures. Supplement this training with routine check-ins and written resources (e.g., safety manuals, flyers and on-site signage).
- Document all workplace safety policies, procedures and accident response protocols. Ensure this information is well-organized and kept up to date.
- Keep all workplace equipment, tools and machinery on regular inspection and maintenance schedules. Ensure employees know never to use broken or damaged items.
- Foster employee engagement in workplace safety initiatives by recognizing and rewarding those who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to injury prevention.
Going Forward
In addition to preventing violations, employers should follow OSHA regulations to protect their employees and keep them safe. Such compliance may also directly impact employers’ financial stability, reputation and overall success. By investing in occupational safety, employers can foster positive work environments that benefit everyone involved.
Contact us today for additional OSHA updates.
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