OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs.
For 2025, the top 10 most cited standards were as follows:
- Fall protection—General requirements (1926.501): 5,914 total violations
- Hazard communication (1910.1200): 2,546 total violations
- Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 total violations
- Control of Hazardous Energy—Lockout/tagout (1910.147): 2,177 total violations
- Respiratory protection (1910.134): 1,953 total violations
- Fall protection—Training requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations
- Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 total violations
- Powered industrial trucks (1910.178): 1,826 total violations
- Personal protective and life-saving equipment—Eye and face protection (1926.102): 1,665 total violations
- Machine guarding (1910.212): 1,239 total violations
Several standards changed positions from fiscal year 2024. For instance, “Respiratory protection” moved down from number four to number five, and “Scaffolding” violations moved up from number eight to number seven. “Fall protection—General requirements” remained OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 15th consecutive fiscal year.
Each day, workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses and deaths related to the hazards addressed in these standards. OSHA publishes this 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 intervenes.
Keep in mind that this data is preliminary and may be subject to change.
For more risk management resources, contact INSURICA today.
This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. ©2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2025
OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs.
Cyber Hygiene for Schools: Teaching Digital Safety to Students
Cyber hygiene for schools is more important than ever in today’s digital learning environment. Teaching digital safety to students not only protects their personal information but also strengthens overall school cybersecurity. With increasing online access in classrooms, cyber hygiene for schools must become a routine part of curriculum planning and student behavior expectations.
Mental Health Benefits Go Mainstream: What Employers Need to Know
Once considered a niche offering or a reactive add-on, mental health benefits have now moved to the center of the employee experience. In 2025, nearly half of U.S. employers offer some form of mental health support beyond traditional EAPs—a sharp rise from just 30% in 2023. This shift isn’t just cultural; it’s strategic.