Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights the most common workplace safety violations. The 2025 list proves that while progress continues, old habits die hard. For the fifteenth straight year, "Fall Protection – General Requirements" tops the list.
The findings were announced during the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the largest annual gathering of safety professionals. The numbers tell a familiar story: persistent challenges, recurring violations, and an urgent call to strengthen safety practices across industries to prevent work injuries.
What are the top 10 OSHA violations for 2025?
OSHA’s preliminary data for fiscal year 2025 highlights the standards that most often tripped up employers. Each citation represents a missed opportunity to prevent injury or save a life. Though the order may shift slightly each year, these same categories consistently appear on OSHA’s list, as outlined below.
Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,914 violations
This standard covers protection against falls from elevated work surfaces such as roofs, scaffolds, and ladders. Many violations occur when employers fail to provide proper guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, especially in construction.
Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,546 violations
This rule ensures that workers are informed about the chemicals they handle through proper labeling, safety data sheets, and training. Violations often stem from missing labels or inadequate employee education. Clear communication helps prevent chemical-related injuries and illnesses.
Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 violations
Ladder safety violations are common in construction and maintenance work. Problems include using damaged ladders, placing them on unstable surfaces, or exceeding weight limits. Proper inspection and training can prevent many of these avoidable accidents.
Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,177 violations
This standard protects workers from hazardous energy during equipment maintenance or repair. Violations typically occur when machines aren’t properly de-energized or tagged before service. Following correct procedures helps prevent amputations, shocks, and other serious injuries.
Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 1,953 violations
Employers must provide and maintain respirators when workers are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. Common issues include failure to conduct fit testing or train employees on proper use. These lapses can lead to long-term respiratory illnesses and workplace health risks.
Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations
This standard requires employers to train workers who may be exposed to fall hazards. Many citations arise from a lack of training documentation or incomplete instruction. Proper education can prevent fatal falls and ensure compliance with safety rules.
Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 violations
Scaffolding violations often involve missing guardrails, overloading platforms, or improper assembly. These oversights pose significant risks of falls and structural failures. Ensuring proper setup and inspection can dramatically improve worker safety.
Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,826 violations
This rule governs the safe operation of forklifts and similar industrial vehicles. Common violations include untrained operators, poor maintenance, and unsafe driving practices. Regular training and inspections are key to preventing collisions and injuries.
Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,665 violations
Employers must provide appropriate protective gear for workers exposed to flying debris, chemicals, or other hazards. Violations occur when protective equipment is missing, damaged, or improperly used. Adequate PPE helps prevent serious eye and facial injuries.
Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,239 violations
This standard requires safeguards on machinery to protect workers from moving parts, flying chips, and sparks. Many violations happen when guards are removed or not installed at all. Proper guarding reduces the risk of amputations and other severe injuries.
What does this mean for employers and workers?
The consistency of OSHA’s top 10 list over the past decade and a half reveals that awareness alone isn’t enough. As NSC CEO Lorraine Martin put it, “While progress has been made in many workplaces, the consistency in citation rankings year after year signals there is more work ahead.”
Real progress requires active participation from every level of the safety community within an organization. This includes leadership setting clear expectations for employees to speak up about risks on the floor.
Creating safer workplaces starts with stronger training, better hazard identification, and accountability. It also means updating outdated safety programs and investing in preventive measures before accidents happen. A company’s safety culture, like a well-built scaffold, must be supported by multiple layers, such as education, communication, and daily practice.
Can I get compensation if I'm hurt on the job due to a workplace violation?
If you’re injured on the job in California because your employer violated a safety rule, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This system covers medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. You don’t have to prove negligence; you only have to prove that your injury happened while performing work-related duties.
However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury (e.g., a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner), you may also have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim. This type of claim can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, future earnings, and other losses not covered by workers’ comp. Before pursuing a claim, speak to a lawyer who can help determine whether you’re limited to workers’ comp or if a third-party claim could increase your overall recovery.
Get the help you need after a workplace injury
If you were hurt on the job because your employer ignored safety rules, don’t try to take on the system alone. Robert A. McLaughlin, APC, knows how to fight back when negligence leads to injury. Our San Diego workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees get the medical care, lost wages, and benefits they’re entitled to under California law. We’ll handle every step of your claim, so you can focus on healing instead of paperwork.
During a free consultation, you’ll talk directly with an experienced attorney who will explain your rights, review your claim, and outline your options for compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. There’s no risk, only the chance to get the help you deserve.
Injured workers throughout San Diego, North County, South Bay, and East County turn to us for trusted legal support. To learn how we can help, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
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