OSHA’s 2025 data shows the same story year after year
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again released its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety violations, and the results tell a familiar story. For the 15th straight year, "Fall Protection – General Requirements" tops the list. The announcement came during the 2025 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, the world’s largest annual gathering of safety professionals.
Despite progress in many areas, these findings show how difficult it remains to eliminate common hazards that cause work-related injuries and deaths every year. The data also highlight where employers and safety managers need to refocus their efforts on training, hazard communication, and compliance enforcement. As NSC President Lorraine Martin put it, the consistency of these rankings “signals there is more work ahead.”
Every year, OSHA’s Top 10 violations reveal where workplace safety programs fall short in preventing injuries. The same issues (e.g., falls, chemical exposure, poor training, and missing safeguards) continue to show up across multiple industries. These aren’t new problems, but they persist because of small lapses that often result in work injuries.
The top 10 OSHA violations in 2025
From construction sites to warehouses, employers often struggle to balance production demands with compliance. Some violations stem from a lack of awareness or outdated safety programs. Others happen when companies cut corners to save time or money. Whatever the cause, these oversights end up costing workers their health —and, in the most tragic cases, their lives.
Let’s take a closer look at OSHA’s Top 10 most cited safety violations of 2025 and what each one means.
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
This violation tops the list with 5,914 violations. Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction, often occurring when workers perform tasks without guardrails, harnesses, or proper safety nets. OSHA’s fall protection standard requires employers to provide fall prevention systems whenever employees work at elevated heights.
The fix includes regular inspections, safety gear, and training on proper equipment use. Yet even one missed step can result in disaster.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Roughly 2,546 violations were recorded for this standard. The purpose is to make sure workers understand the chemicals they handle every day. Employers must label containers, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and train employees on how to protect themselves. When these steps are skipped or done halfway, accidents happen at work.
Chemical burns, toxic exposures, and respiratory problems are preventable. Clear labeling, easy-to-read SDS binders, and regular refresher training make all the difference.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
Ladders are simple tools that cause serious injuries when misused. There were 2,405 violations of this standard, including using damaged ladders, standing on the top rung, or failing to secure the base. Even a short fall can lead to broken bones or worse.
Employers should ensure ladders are inspected daily and replaced when worn. Workers should also receive training on ladder placement, angle, and proper use.
4. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
This standard protects workers from hazardous energy during machine servicing. However, it had 2,177 violations. Without proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, a piece of equipment can unexpectedly start up, causing severe injury or death.
Violations often occur when employees aren’t trained on LOTO protocols or when procedures aren’t documented. Consistent enforcement and accountability are key to preventing tragic work accidents.
5. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
This standard had 1,953 violations. When employees are exposed to harmful dust, vapors, or fumes, respiratory protection becomes essential. OSHA requires employers to provide respirators, ensure proper fit testing, and conduct medical evaluations.
Too often, violations arise when companies fail to maintain equipment or skip fit tests. A respirator that doesn’t fit properly is no better than no protection at all.
6. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
Approximately 1,907 violations were recorded for this standard. This violation highlights another side of the fall protection problem: lack of training. Even the best safety equipment can’t help if workers don’t know how to use it.
Employers must provide comprehensive fall prevention training and document completion. Refresher courses and on-the-job reinforcement can go a long way toward keeping workers safe.
7. Scaffolding (1926.451)
The scaffolding standard had 1,905 violations. Improperly constructed scaffolds are a major hazard. OSHA requires scaffolds to support their weight plus four times the maximum intended load. Violations often involve missing guardrails, unstable platforms, or inadequate access.
Scaffold inspections and competent supervision can dramatically reduce these risks. A secure, well-built scaffold can mean the difference between a productive workday and a preventable scaffold accident.
8. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
One thousand eight hundred twenty-six violations were recorded for powered industrial trucks. Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks are indispensable, but also dangerous when used incorrectly. OSHA citations usually involve poor maintenance, lack of operator training, or unsafe driving practices.
Employers must ensure all operators are trained and certified. Regular inspections and enforcement of safe operating procedures can prevent costly and even deadly workplace accidents.
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
This standard had 1,665 violations. Flying debris, chemicals, and sparks make eye and face protection a must in many workplaces. Yet employees often skip wearing goggles or face shields because they’re uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Employers must enforce PPE rules and provide gear that fits properly. One small particle can cause permanent vision loss, something no one should risk.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Machine guarding had 1,239 violations. Machines with moving parts can crush, cut, or amputate fingers in seconds. OSHA’s machine guarding standard requires the use of physical barriers or shields to keep workers safe.
Violations happen when guards are removed for maintenance or not reinstalled afterward. Regular safety checks and clear policies about machine operation can prevent devastating injuries.
What should I do if I'm hurt on the job due to a safety violation?
If you were hurt on the job because your employer ignored safety rules, you have options for seeking compensation. The legal team at Tabor Law Firm, P.A. has spent years fighting for Mississippi workers injured by unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or employer negligence. We know how devastating work injuries can be. One minute you’re earning a paycheck, and the next you’re struggling to heal while the bills pile up.
Our Mississippi work injury attorneys can make sure the system works for you, not against you. You’ll never have to guess where your case stands or worry about upfront costs. Your consultation is free, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That means you can focus on your recovery while we focus on results.
If your workplace injury happened in Ridgeland, Jackson, or anywhere in Mississippi, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, outline your options, and get to work holding those responsible for your injury accountable.
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