Every year, OSHA releases its list of the most frequently cited safety standards, providing a clear indication of where workplaces continue to struggle with compliance. The preliminary list for 2025, unveiled at the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo in Colorado, once again highlights long-standing safety challenges across industries.
These recurring violations, such as fall protection and hazard communication, underscore how many incidents remain preventable with the right safety practices. For employers, this list serves as both a warning and a guide to strengthen compliance efforts. It emphasizes the continued importance of proactive training, workplace inspections, and employee awareness to reduce risks and protect lives.
Why These Standards Matter
OSHA’s annual Top 10 list isn’t just a ranking; it’s a roadmap for improving workplace safety. By highlighting the most frequently cited standards, the list helps employers recognize which areas pose the greatest risks and where compliance gaps most often occur.
Many violations stem from everyday hazards such as falls, poor communication about chemicals, or improper equipment use; all of which are preventable with training and vigilance. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, often struggle not because they ignore safety, but because they lack dedicated safety resources or expertise. That’s why OSHA emphasizes free consultation programs, outreach initiatives, and training support to help these employers meet safety requirements and protect their workers.
OSHA’s Most Cited Standards in 2025
Each year, OSHA’s list of most cited standards reveals where workplaces most often fall short of safety compliance. The 2025 preliminary data show that familiar hazards continue to dominate, particularly those related to falls, communication, and equipment misuse. Understanding these violations helps employers and safety managers focus their efforts where they matter most, preventing injuries and reducing costly penalties.
Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
Once again topping OSHA’s list, fall protection violations are among the most common and deadly in construction. Many incidents occur because employers fail to provide proper guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems when working at heights. Workers often lack training on how to use fall protection gear correctly or how to identify potential fall hazards. Addressing these issues through proactive safety planning and regular inspections can drastically reduce serious injuries and fatalities from falls.
Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Hazard communication remains a frequent issue, especially in industries that handle chemicals daily. Violations typically involve missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), unlabeled containers, or insufficient employee training on hazardous substances. These oversights can lead to serious exposure incidents and long-term health risks. Implementing clear labeling practices, maintaining accessible SDS records, and conducting regular refresher training ensures a safer and more compliant workplace.
Ladders (1926.1053)
Ladder safety continues to challenge employers, with violations often stemming from improper use or neglect of maintenance. Common issues include using damaged ladders, placing them on unstable surfaces, or exceeding weight limits. Such errors lead to thousands of preventable falls and injuries each year. Regular ladder inspections, proper storage, and hands-on safety training for employees can significantly reduce ladder-related accidents on job sites.
What These Violations Tell Us About Workplace Safety Trends
The recurring appearance of fall protection, hazard communication, and ladder safety in OSHA’s Top 10 highlights that many workplace injuries stem from preventable causes. These trends suggest that awareness alone isn’t enough; consistent training, hazard assessments, and safety culture reinforcement are key. Regular inspections, employee engagement, and leadership commitment can bridge the gap between compliance and real-world safety. By turning lessons from these citations into proactive measures, organizations can move from reacting to accidents to preventing them entirely.
How Employers Can Avoid OSHA Citations
Preventing OSHA citations starts with a proactive, structured approach to workplace safety. Employers should conduct regular site inspections to identify and address potential hazards before they escalate into violations. Ongoing staff training ensures that every employee understands proper safety procedures, equipment use, and emergency protocols.
Maintaining clear signage, accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and up-to-date compliance documentation demonstrates a strong safety culture and readiness for inspections. Additionally, small and mid-sized businesses can benefit from free or low-cost OSHA training programs to build foundational knowledge and strengthen compliance without straining budgets.
The Role of OSHA Training in Reducing Violations
OSHA training plays a crucial role in minimizing workplace violations by enhancing workers’ understanding of hazards and compliance requirements. Through structured education, employees learn how to recognize risks, follow safety procedures, and respond effectively to emergencies. Free OSHA courses help build initial awareness, making them ideal for small teams or new workers entering regulated industries. However, authorized OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour programs go a step further, offering in-depth instruction and official certification that demonstrate a company’s commitment to maintaining OSHA-compliant practices.
Conclusion
OSHA’s most cited standards in 2025 remind employers that the same safety challenges continue to affect worksites across industries, from fall protection to hazard communication. Addressing these issues starts with awareness, consistent training, and proactive safety management. Whether through free introductory courses or certified OSHA 10- or 30-hour programs, investing in worker education helps prevent costly violations, saves lives, and fosters a culture of accountability. In today’s evolving work environments, staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting people and ensuring every employee goes home safe.
