OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations of 2025
Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of the most frequently cited standards following workplace inspections. The 2025 results show a familiar trend: the same hazards continue to drive nationwide violations.
The Top 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards for Fiscal Year 2025 Are:
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
- Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
- Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
- Control of Hazardous Energy/Lockout-Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
- Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
- Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
- Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
- Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
- Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
Notably, fall protection tops the list once again (#1 citation for over a decade). This reflects both the severity of fall hazards and ongoing compliance gaps in construction and general industry.
Hazard communication at #2 indicates ongoing deficiencies in chemical labeling, management of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training.
Lockout-tagout violations continue to highlight failures in energy isolation during maintenance activities, while respiratory protection and PPE citations often stem from incomplete written programs, lack of required evaluations, or insufficient fit testing.
Machine guarding and powered industrial truck violations remind us that equipment-related hazards remain a significant priority.
It is important to recognize that this list does not represent emerging hazards. Rather, these are well-established regulatory requirements that repeatedly fall short due to inconsistent implementation, high workforce turnover, inadequate training, or limited program oversight.
Facilities should view this list as a roadmap and use it as an opportunity to evaluate whether their own safety programs align with OSHA’s enforcement priorities. Annually reviewing programs, conducting internal audits, and observing work practices can significantly reduce the risk of citations.
Furthermore, employee involvement is equally important. Workers are often the first to identify safety concerns but may hesitate to raise them. Actively engaging employees in safety committee meetings, reporting systems, and hazard recognition efforts strengthens program effectiveness and fosters a culture that prioritizes compliance and accountability.
How Walden Can Help
Walden works with clients to proactively address safety and environmental compliance. Our team can assist with gap audits, written program development, employee training, fall protection inspections, respiratory fit testing, and more. Contact us today at 860-846-4069 to speak with an experienced Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.
Photo by Jeriden Villegas on Unsplash