The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a vital role in protecting workers and promoting safe and healthy working conditions across all industries in the United States. Through routine inspections and enforcement of safety regulations, OSHA helps ensure that employers maintain workplaces free from recognized hazards. Each year, the agency releases its list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards, providing valuable insight into the most common areas where companies fall short of compliance. For fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, OSHA has once again identified the same key standards that dominated last year’s list—though their rankings have shifted slightly. This consistency highlights ongoing challenges many employers face in addressing fundamental safety requirements, underscoring the importance of proactive training, regular inspections, and a strong safety culture to prevent violations and protect workers. Here is this year’s list:
Top 10 Most Frequently Cited
OSHA Standards for 2025
1) Fall Protection- General Requirements, Construction 1926.501
Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. This regulation outlines requirements for fall protection systems, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Employers must provide appropriate protection for workers exposed to fall hazards.
2) Hazard Communication, General Industry 1910.1200
Effective communication of workplace hazards is essential for worker safety. The Hazard Communication standard ensures that employees are informed about the dangers of chemicals they may encounter on the job. This includes maintaining safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals, labeling containers, and providing proper training.
3) Ladders, Construction 1926.1053
Ladders are everyday tools, but accidents involving them can lead to severe injuries. This standard sets rules for safely using portable ladders, including proper setup, inspection, and maintenance.
4) Lockout/Tagout, General Industry 1910.147
Lockout/tagout procedures are essential for preventing unexpected machine start-ups during maintenance or repair. This standard mandates that employers establish procedures and provide training to protect workers from hazardous energy sources.
5) Respiratory Protection, General Industry 1910.134
Respiratory protection is crucial when employees are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. This standard outlines the requirements for respiratory protection programs, including fit-testing, proper use of respirators, and medical evaluations to ensure workers’ health.
6) Fall Protection Training, Construction 1926.503
In addition to the general fall protection standard, this specific regulation focuses on training requirements. Workers at risk of falls must receive training in recognizing fall hazards and using fall protection systems effectively.
7) Scaffolding, Construction 1926.451
Scaffolding is a common tool used in construction, but it can pose serious risks if not erected and used properly. This standard establishes requirements for scaffold design, construction, and use. Regular inspections and proper training are vital for compliance.
8) Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry 1910.178
Industrial trucks, including forklifts, pose inherent dangers in the workplace. OSHA’s standard mandates that employers ensure operators are trained and authorized to use these vehicles safely. Regular inspections and maintenance are also crucial.
9) Eye and Face Protection, Construction 1926.102
Construction workers often face unique safety challenges, including the need for personal protective equipment (PPE). This standard outlines requirements for PPE, including eye and face protection, head protection, and lifelines for workers engaged in specific tasks
10) Machine Guarding, General Industry 1910.212
Machine accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. The machine guarding standard requires employers to provide protective measures, such as barriers and safety devices, to prevent workers from coming into contact with moving machine parts.
The OSHA Top 10 most frequently cited violations for 2025 serve as a reminder that workplace safety requires ongoing attention, accountability, and education. While these violations highlight common problem areas—such as fall protection, hazard communication, and scaffolding safety—they also reveal where organizations have the greatest opportunity for improvement.
Regular site safety audits and comprehensive safety training programs are two of the most effective ways to identify hazards before they lead to citations or injuries. By conducting routine audits, companies can uncover compliance gaps, improve documentation, and ensure that all employees are working in safe conditions. Meanwhile, hands-on safety training empowers workers to recognize and correct hazards, follow proper procedures, and take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe jobsite.
At Safety Consulting Specialists, we help businesses strengthen their safety programs through detailed site safety audits, customized training, and expert guidance based on more than two decades of field experience. Staying proactive not only helps prevent OSHA citations—it protects your most valuable asset: your people. If you need help with safety training, mock safety audits, safety consulting, fall protection, or any other OSHA workplace safety standard, call us at 919-417-2139 or reach us through email at . We have been helping companies meet and exceed OSHA safety standards for decades and have the knowledge and experience to help your company remain safe, productive, and profitable.
