Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards. More than just numbers, this data tells an important story about where organizations continue to struggle — and where focused action can prevent injuries, fatalities, and costly enforcement penalties.
At the NSC Safety Congress & Expo in September 2025, OSHA published its most recent findings for Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting persistent hazards across construction, manufacturing, power generation, and general industry. For the 15th consecutive year, one issue remains at the top of the list: Fall Protection.
Let’s break down what this year’s Top 10 violations reveal – and what employers can do to stay ahead of risk.
Why OSHA’s Top 10 Matters
OSHA’s annual violation data isn’t just a compliance snapshot – it’s a roadmap. These trends point to:
- Gaps in training and hazard recognition
- Inconsistent application of safety programs
- Missed opportunities for proactive prevention
- Areas where the right PPE and procedures can save lives
Organizations that study this list don’t just avoid citations – they build stronger, safer operations.
The Top 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards for FY 2025
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
5,914 violations
Falls continue to be the leading cause of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, especially in construction and maintenance operations. - Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
2,546 violations
From missing SDS sheets to improper labeling, chemical safety remains a persistent compliance challenge. - Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
2,405 violations
Improper ladder use, damaged equipment, and lack of training drive many of these citations. - Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
2,177 violations
Inadequate energy control procedures continue to put workers at risk of unexpected equipment startup. - Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
1,953 violations
Fit testing, medical evaluations, and program documentation remain common gaps. - Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
1,907 violations
Even when systems are in place, lack of proper training leaves workers vulnerable. - Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
1,905 violations
Improper assembly, missing guardrails, and lack of inspections lead the way. - Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
1,826 violations
Forklift training and certification issues continue to drive enforcement actions. - Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
1,665 violations
Simple PPE failures that can result in life-altering injuries. - Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
1,239 violations
Missing or bypassed guards expose workers to severe pinch, crush, and amputation hazards.
The Bigger Picture: What These Violations Tell Us
Across industries, the same themes emerge year after year:
- High-risk tasks are still under-controlled – especially work at height, confined space entry, and maintenance activities.
- Training gaps persist – many violations stem not from lack of rules, but lack of understanding and reinforcement.
- Programs exist on paper, but not in practice – OSHA citations often point to breakdowns in implementation, not intent.
The good news? Every item on this list is preventable with the right mix of leadership commitment, field-focused training, and consistent accountability.
Turning Compliance Into Prevention
The most effective organizations don’t wait for an inspection to take safety seriously. They:
- Conduct regular job hazard analyses
- Audit fall protection, LOTO, and confined space programs
- Invest in hands-on, scenario-based training
- Ensure PPE is not only available – but properly selected and used
- Treat OSHA standards as a baseline, not the finish line
When safety becomes operational – not just procedural – violations drop, injuries decrease, and teams perform better.
Final Thoughts
OSHA’s Top 10 violations for 2025 reinforce a clear message: the greatest risks in our workplaces are not new – but they remain unresolved for far too many workers.
By using this data as a proactive tool rather than a reactive warning, organizations can move beyond compliance and build cultures where safety is part of every task, every shift, and every decision.
Because the goal isn’t just fewer citations.
It’s fewer injuries. Fewer close calls. And more people going home safe – every day.
The JLN Safety team is here to help. Reach out at 1-855-SAF-EJLN or www.safejln.com/contact
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