We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

144 Introduction to OSHA
Skip to main content

144 Introduction to OSHA

Most Frequently Cited Standards

Every year, OSHA publishes its "Top 10" most frequently cited violations list. Over the years, many of the same standards consistently appear near the top of this list.

Top 10 Violations for Fiscal Year 2025

The following is a list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA for all industries for Fiscal Year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024, through Aug. 12, 2025). OSHA publishes the list to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths related to the hazards addressed in these standards.

  1. Fall Protection, Construction: Total violations - 5,914 (29 CFR 1926.501) [related safety resources]
  2. Hazard Communication, General Industry: Total violations - 2,546 (29 CFR 1910.1200) [related safety resources]
  3. Ladders, Construction: Total violations - 2,405 (29 CFR 1926.1053) [related safety resources]
  4. Lockout/Tagout, General industry: Total violations - 2,177 (29 CFR 1910.147) [related safety resources]
  5. Respiratory Protection, General Industry: Total violations - 1,953 (29 CFR 1910.134) [related safety resources]
  6. Fall Protection Training, Construction: Total violations - 1,907 (29 CFR 1926.503) [related safety resources]
  7. Scaffolding, Construction: Total violations - 1,905 (29 CFR 1926.451) [related safety resources]
  8. Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry: Total violations - 1,826 (29 CFR 1910.178) [related safety resources]
  9. Eye and Face Protection, Construction: Total violations - 1,665 (29 CFR 1926.102) [related safety resources]
  10. Machine Guarding, General Industry: Total violations - 1,239 (29 CFR 1910.212) [related safety resources]

Fall Protection and Hazard Communication standards often rank at or near the top of OSHA's 'Top 10' list. Also, it makes good sense to ensure programs related to the Top 10 Standards are effectively developed and reviewed regularly for compliance. After all, the following statement is true:

"Violations OSHA sees the most, they cite the most."

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-4. What standard is most frequently violated and cited by OSHA?

Previous Section
Next Section