OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for construction employers, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them insight to plan their compliance programs.
For 2025, the top 10 most cited standards were as follows:
1. Fall protection—General requirements (1926.501): 5,914 total violations
2. Hazard communication (1910.1200): 2,546 total violations
3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 total violations
4. Control of hazardous energy—Lockout/tagout (1910.147): 2,177 total violations
5. Respiratory protection (1910.134): 1,953 total violations
6. Fall protection—Training requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations
7. Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 total violations
8. Powered industrial trucks (1910.178): 1,826 total violations
9. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment— Eye and face protection (1926.102): 1,665 total violations
10. 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. Keep in mind that this data is preliminary and may be subject to change.
The construction industry continues to face elevated risks due to the nature of its work environment—often involving heights, heavy equipment and rapidly changing jobsites. Violations related to fall protection, scaffolding and ladder safety consistently rank among the most cited, underscoring the need for rigorous training, hazard assessments and enforcement of safety protocols.
Employers must ensure that workers are equipped with proper personal protective equipment (or PPE) and that all equipment is inspected and maintained regularly. To strengthen compliance and reduce incidents, construction employers should prioritize site-specific safety planning, conduct regular inspections and ensure that supervisors are trained to identify and correct hazards in real time. Emphasizing a culture of safety where workers are encouraged to report unsafe conditions and participate in ongoing training can significantly reduce the risk of injury and improve overall job site performance.
By being informed about OSHA’s most frequently cited standards and implementing proactive safety measures, construction employers can foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
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