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Top 10 OSHA Violations: 2026

Top 10 OSHA Violations You Should Stay Ahead of

Workplace safety remains a top priority for OSHA, and each year the agency releases its list of the most frequently cited violations. OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for Fiscal Year 2026 highlight recurring compliance gaps that continue to put workers at risk—and cost employers significant fines.

Understanding these violations is the first step toward preventing accidents, avoiding citations, and creating a safer work environment.

Fall Protection—General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)

5,914 citations

Fall protection once again tops OSHA’s list. Violations typically involve unprotected edges, leading-edge work, and improper use of fall protection systems.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Install guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems

  • -Ensure fall protection is used at heights of 6 feet or more in construction

  • -Conduct regular jobsite inspections to identify fall hazards

Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

2,546 citations

Often referred to as the “Right to Know” standard, hazard communication violations usually stem from missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), improper labeling, or lack of employee training.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Maintain a current SDS for all hazardous chemicals

  • -Properly label all containers

  • -Train employees on chemical hazards and safe handling procedures

Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)

2,405 citations

Improper ladder use continues to cause serious injuries. Common issues include using damaged ladders, incorrect ladder angles, and climbing beyond the recommended height.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Inspect ladders before each use

  • -Train workers on proper ladder selection and setup

  • -Remove damaged ladders from service immediately

Control of Hazardous Energy—Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)

2,177 citations

Lockout/Tagout violations can lead to severe injuries or fatalities when machinery unexpectedly energizes during maintenance.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Develop written Lockout/Tagout procedures

  • -Provide proper locks, tags, and devices

  • -Train authorized and affected employees regularly

Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)

1,953 citations

Respiratory protection violations often involve missing written programs, improper respirator selection, or failure to conduct fit testing.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Establish a written respiratory protection program

  • -Conduct medical evaluations and fit testing

  • -Train employees on proper use, storage, and maintenance

Fall Protection—Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)

1,907 citations

Even when fall protection equipment is provided, lack of proper training can still result in violations.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Train employees to recognize fall hazards

  • -Document all training sessions

  • -Retrain workers when job conditions change

Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)

Scaffolding violations commonly include improper assembly, missing guardrails, and overloaded platforms.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Ensure scaffolds are designed and inspected by a competent person

  • -Install proper guardrails and access points

  • -Follow manufacturer load limits

Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)

1,826 citations

Forklift-related violations frequently involve lack of operator training and unsafe operation practices.

How to avoid this violation:

Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)

1,665 citations

Inadequate or improper PPE selection leads to many eye and face protection violations.

How to avoid this violation:

Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)

1,239 citations

Machine guarding violations occur when moving parts are exposed, increasing the risk of amputations and serious injuries.

How to avoid this violation:

  • -Install proper guards on all machinery

  • -Never remove or bypass machine guards

  • -Train employees on safe machine operation

Why OSHA Compliance Matters

Beyond fines and citations, OSHA violations can result in:

  • -Workplace injuries or fatalities

  • -Increased insurance premiums

  • -Lost productivity and downtime

  • -Damage to company reputation

Proactively addressing these common violations helps protect workers while keeping your business compliant and operational.

OSHA logo with icons representing construction, safety, health, and administration.

Stay Ahead of OSHA Violations

The OSHA Top 10 list for 2025 serves as a clear warning: most violations are preventable with proper training, equipment, and safety programs. Regular audits, employee education, and the right safety products can make all the difference.

 

Need help improving workplace safety or sourcing OSHA-compliant PPE and safety solutions? Contact our team today to reduce risk, improve compliance, and protect your workforce.