The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its preliminary data revealing the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Safety Violations for fiscal year 2025, and the results reinforce a familiar message: many workplace hazards are well-known, yet still widely overlooked.
For the 15th consecutive year, Fall Protection – General Requirements topped the list, underscoring the need for continued focus on basic safety fundamentals.
Below is a breakdown of OSHA’s 2025 Top 10 list, along with why each violation matters and what employers can do to reduce risk.
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
Falls remain the leading cause of serious injury and death in construction. Common issues include unprotected edges, missing guardrails, and failure to use personal fall arrest systems.
Why it matters: Even short falls can result in severe injuries or fatalities. 6’ is the standard height at which OSHA requires fall protection for construction workers. General Industry is even lower at 4’.
Best practice: Identify fall hazards early and ensure proper protection is in place before work begins. Conduct daily safety talks each morning/shift to review the day’s hazards and safety requirements based on the work being performed that day.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
This standard requires employers to inform employees about hazardous chemicals through labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and training.
Why it matters: Employees cannot protect themselves from hazards they don’t understand.
Best practice: Keep SDSs accessible, label all chemicals correctly, and conduct regular training. Employees should know where the SDSs are and how to read the 16 standard sections.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
Improper ladder use, such as using damaged ladders or setting them up incorrectly, continues to be a major issue.
Why it matters: Ladder accidents often result in serious injuries.
Best practice: Use the right ladder for the job and train employees on proper setup and use.
4. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
Lockout/Tagout protects workers from unexpected equipment startup during maintenance or servicing.
Why it matters: Failure to control hazardous energy can lead to amputations or fatalities.
Best practice: Develop written procedures and ensure employees are trained and authorized. Training should be specific to Affected employees, Authorized employees and Machine Operators.
5. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
Violations often involve missing written programs, lack of medical evaluations, or improper respirator use.
Why it matters: Respiratory hazards can cause long-term health issues.
Best practice: Maintain a compliant respiratory protection program and conduct fit testing.
6. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
Even when fall protection equipment is available, employees may not be properly trained to use it.
Why it matters: Equipment is only effective when used correctly.
Best practice: Provide regular, documented training for employees exposed to fall hazards.
7. Scaffolding (1926.451)
Common issues include improper assembly, missing guardrails, and overloading platforms.
Why it matters: Scaffolding failures can result in catastrophic injuries.
Best practice: Ensure scaffolding is erected and inspected by qualified personnel.
8. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
This category includes forklifts and other industrial vehicles, with citations often tied to inadequate training.
Why it matters: Improper operation increases the risk of collisions and injuries.
Best practice: Certify operators and provide refresher training as required.
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
Employers frequently fail to provide or enforce proper eye and face protection.
Why it matters: Eye injuries are often permanent but highly preventable.
Best practice: Assess hazards and provide appropriate PPE for every task.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Missing or inadequate machine guards expose workers to moving parts.
Why it matters: Machine-related injuries can be severe and life-altering.
Best practice: Inspect equipment regularly and ensure guards are in place and maintained.
OSHA’s 2025 Top 10 list shows that many violations stem from preventable issues: lack of training, inconsistent enforcement, or outdated safety programs. Addressing these risks not only helps avoid citations but also protects employees and strengthens workplace culture.
At McConkey, we believe safety is more than compliance, it’s a commitment. Our team works with employers to identify risks, strengthen safety programs, and support long-term risk management strategies.
If you’d like help evaluating your safety practices or reducing workplace risk, our risk solutions team is here to help.
