Here, we present the preliminary list, which reflects OSHA Information System data collected from Oct. 1, 2024, through Aug. 12, 2025. You’ll also find the Top 10 standards cited by the highest cumulative proposed penalties, “willful” and “serious” violations, and more

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements
   Standard: 1926.501
   Total violations: 5,914
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 1
(6,307 violations)

This standard outlines where fall protection is required, which systems are appropriate for given situations, the proper construction and installation of safety systems, and the proper supervision of employees to prevent falls. It’s designed to protect employees on walking-working surfaces (horizontal or vertical) with an unprotected side or edge above 6 feet.

2. Hazard Communication
   Standard: 1910.1200
   Total violations: 2,546
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 2
(2,888 violations)

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

3. Ladders
   Standard: 1926.1053
   Total violations: 2,405
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 3
(2,573 violations)
4. Lockout/Tagout
   Standard: 1910.147
   Total violations: 2,177
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 5
(2,443 violations)

This standard outlines minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment.

5. Respiratory Protection
   Standard: 1910.134
   Total violations: 1,953
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 4
(2,470 violations)

This standard directs employers on establishing or maintaining a respiratory protection program. It lists requirements for program administration; worksite-specific procedures; respirator selection; employee training; fit testing; medical evaluation; respirator use; and respirator cleaning, maintenance and repair

6. Fall Protection – Training Requirements
   Standard: 1926.503
   Total violations: 1,907
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 7
(2,050 violations)

This standard addresses training requirements for employers in regard to fall protection.

7. Scaffolding
   Standard: 1926.451
   Total violations: 1,905
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 8
(1,873 violations)

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 10 feet or higher.

8. Powered Industrial Trucks
   Standard: 1910.178
   Total violations: 1,826
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 6
(2,248 violations)

This standard covers the design, maintenance and operation of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and motorized hand trucks. It also covers operator training requirements.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection
   Standard: 1926.102
   Total violations: 1,665
   Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 9
(1,814 violations)

This standard addresses appropriate personal protective equipment for workers exposed to eye or face hazards, such as flying particles and chemical gases or vapors.

10. Machine Guarding
    Standard: 1910.212
    Total violations: 1,239
    Fiscal year 2024 ranking: 10
(1,541 violations)

This standard covers guarding of machinery to protect operators and other employees from hazards, including those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

My Thoughts 💭My Thoughts 💭

Fall protection has been cited the most times for 15 years!! Stay safe out there. So many people lose their lives on the construction job site most are preventable!