OSHA Releases the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Safety Violations for Fiscal Year 2025

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

During the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released preliminary data on the most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2025.

These findings emphasize the areas where employers see the largest risks to employee safety, and are a good place to start when aiming to prevent injuries on the job.

1. Fall Protection—General Requirements – 5,914 citations

Fall protection was once again the most cited violation. This often includes failing to provide or use fall protection systems such as safety nets, guardrails, or Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). This is the 15th straight year in which Fall Protection topped the list of violations.

2. Hazard Communication – 2,546 citations

Employers who fail to implement complete hazard communication standards or training can put employees at risk of improperly handling chemical hazards. Proper labels, safety data sheets, and training is essential to avoid injury and citations.

3. Ladders – 2,405 citations

Citations for improper ladder use can be given if employees are using broken or defective ladders, failing to set up ladders properly, or using them for things other than their intended purpose.

4. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) – 2,177 citations

Lockout/Tagout citations are often given when employers do not have clearly outlined procedures for controlling hazardous energy, or when employees are not trained to properly deal with hazardous energy. Regular inspection and review of lockout/tagout procedures is also required by OSHA.

5. Respiratory Protection – 1,953 citations

Employees working in environments which expose them to airborne hazards like dust or fumes must have proper respiratory protection. Employers can receive citations for failing to provide proper training, medical evaluations, and fit testing for employees.

6. Fall Protection—Training Requirements – 1,907 citations

In addition to physical safety measures to prevent falls, employers must also provide a training program to employees who are working from height. The training program should cover the nature of fall hazards, correct procedures and use of fall protection systems, limitations of the equipment, procedures for handling and storing equipment, and the role of each employee in fall protection plans.

7. Scaffolding – 1,905 citations

Similar to fall protection, improper use of scaffolding can lead to serious injury for employees. Adherence to proper construction and awareness of capacity for scaffolding is an employer’s responsibility.

8. Powered Industrial Trucks – 1,826 citations

Employers may receive citations for improper use, maintenance, and design of fork lifts and powered industrial trucks.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment (Eye and Face Protection) – 1,665 citations

Employers must provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees who are exposed to eye or face hazards and employees must use/wear appropriate PPE while working. Failure to provide or enforce the use of PPE can lead to citation.

10. Machine Guarding – 1,239 citations

At least one method of machine guarding must be in place to protect employees from points of operation, rotating parts, sparks, or nip points. Missing or inadequate machine guarding can lead to citations.

“Training employees on the most common OSHA citations is a great idea because these violations reflect the most frequent and severe risks to workers,” Rancho Mesa Risk Control Consultant Jessee Keirstead said when asked about the importance of regular safety training.

“Compliance with OSHA standards and proactive training are good tools for preventing injuries and protecting businesses from costly citations and insurance claims.”

Rancho Mesa’s extensive library of safety trainings and toolbox talks available through the SafetyOne™ platform is an excellent resource to help keep safety top of mind.

Top 5 OSHA Violation Trends and Solutions

Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Every year, Federal OSHA conducts thousands of inspections and issues costly citations to companies. So, it is imperative for business owners and safety managers to be aware of the most common citations and how to avoid them through effective safety programs.

Back in September 2021, Rancho Mesa highlighted the top Cal/OSHA citations issued during the 2019/2020 reporting period in podcast Episode 136. Now that the 2023 Federal OSHA data is available, we can analyze the citations that were most common across the United States to see what’s changed and evaluate our safety programs to avoid being another statistic.

Although OSHA violations can be issued for numerous reasons, the most common five violation in 2023 were:

1. Fall Protection-General Requirements (Standard 1926.501)

This standard outlines where fall protection is required, which systems are appropriate for given situations, the proper construction installation of safety systems, and the proper supervision of employees to prevent falls. It is designed to protect employees on walking/working surfaces (horizontal or vertical) with an unprotected side or edge above 6ft.
There were 7,271 fall protection violations in 2023 up from 5,260 in
2022. To help avoid fall protection citations, take advantage of Rancho Mesa’s proprietary SafetyOne™ mobile app and website’s fall protection resources like the online awareness course, multiple toolbox talks, various risk observation checklists, and sample Fall Protection Program that is designed to reinforce the company’s policies.

2. Hazard Communication (Standard 1910.1200)

This standard addresses chemical hazards, both those chemicals produced in the workplace and those brought into the workplace. It also governs the communication of those hazards to workers.

There were 3,213 hazard communication violations in 2023. Proper hazard communication in construction environments can save lives. Consider utilizing the variety of hazard communication resources in our SafetyOne platform with online trainings, toolbox talks, and sample policies and checklists.

3. Ladders (Standard 923.1053)

This standard covers general requirements for all ladders.

There were 2,978 ladder violations in 2023, more than 800 more than 2022’s 2,143 violations. The RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program’s Ladder Safety module provides an in-depth practical overview of ladder safety from seasoned risk control experts. Utilize the SafetyOne platform’s online training courses, toolbox talks, risk observations and sample policies to ensure your employees are compliant with your company policy.

4. Scaffolding (Standard 1926.451)

This standard covers general safety requirements for scaffolding, which should be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Employers are bound to protect construction workers from falls and falling objects while working on or near scaffolding at heights of 10ft or higher.

There were 2,859 scaffolding violations in 2023. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so utilizing Rancho Mesa’s SafetyOne sample scaffold policy to provide a framework of best practices to help comply with OSHA Standard 1926.451. Reinforce your policy through toolbox talks, online courses and help prevent unsafe conditions with scaffold risk observations.

5. Powered Industrial Trucks (Standard 1910.178)

This section contains safety requirements relating to fire protection, design, maintenance and use of fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks motorized hand trucks and other specialized trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.

There were 2,561 violations in 2023. OSHA mandatory guidelines include operator training and certification, pre-shift inspections and operating environment restrictions. The best way to avoid these types of citations, is by using the risk observations in SafetyOne to document your equipment inspections. Ensure employees are trained by utilizing the toolbox talks and online training courses.

Rancho Mesa knows these top five citations can be avoided by reviewing safety programs often and ensuring they are effective. Clients can take advantage of the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program that specifically addresses some of the most common citations.

To discuss your safety program, workers’ compensation or other insurance needs, contact me at (619) 937-0167 or sclayton@ranchomesa.com.