The Top 10 OSHA Violations to Avoid in 2026

Quick Highlights

• Fall protection remains OSHA’s most cited violation
• Training-related violations continue to climb
• Equipment safety and machine hazards remain a major concern
• Proactive safety training and risk management helps prevent injuries and costly penalties

OSHA violation data continues to highlight where workplaces are most at risk and where employers need to focus their safety efforts. As we head into a new year, understanding the Top 10 OSHA Violations from 2025 can help employers take proactive steps to reduce incidents, avoid citations, and strengthen their safety programs in 2026.

While many of the same violations appear on this list year after year, their persistence shows that many hazards are still going unaddressed. The good news? With the right planning, training, and oversight, these issues are preventable.

Top 10 OSHA Violations to Avoid in 2026

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,914 violations

Fall protection continues to hold the top spot among OSHA violations, topping the list for the 15th straight year. Employers often fail to provide proper guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems when employees are working at heights.

To avoid this violation, employers should evaluate all elevated work areas, ensure appropriate systems are in place, and regularly inspect equipment. Fall protection training and planning should begin before work starts, not after an incident occurs.

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,546 violations

Hazard communication violations remain widespread due to incomplete chemical inventories, missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets, and inadequate employee training.

Employers must ensure all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled, SDSs are accessible, and employees understand how to safely handle chemicals in their workplace. Clear communication is essential to preventing chemical-related injuries and illnesses.

3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 violations

Improper ladder use continues to result in serious injuries and OSHA citations. Common issues include using damaged ladders, selecting the wrong ladder for the task, or failing to train employees on proper use.

Avoiding this violation starts with routine ladder inspections, removing defective ladders from service, and training employees on safe climbing practices and load limits.

4. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,177 violations

Lockout/tagout violations remain a significant concern when employees service or maintain equipment without properly controlling hazardous energy sources.

Employers must develop written lockout/tagout procedures, train authorized employees, and conduct periodic inspections to ensure procedures are followed. Failure to do so can result in severe or fatal injuries.

5. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 1,953 violations

Respiratory protection violations often stem from missing written programs, lack of medical evaluations, improper fit testing, or inadequate training.

Employers should ensure respirator use is supported by a compliant program and that employees are medically cleared, fit tested, and trained before using respiratory protection.

6. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations

In addition to providing fall protection equipment, OSHA requires employers to train employees to recognize fall hazards and understand how to properly use protective systems.

This violation frequently occurs when training is incomplete, outdated, or undocumented. Regular refresher training and proper recordkeeping can help prevent compliance gaps.

7. Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 violations

Scaffolding violations typically involve improper construction, lack of fall protection, or failure to inspect scaffolds before use.

Employers should ensure scaffolds are built by qualified individuals and that employees are trained to identify scaffold hazards and follow best practices.

8. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,826 violations

Powered industrial truck violations often involve untrained operators, expired certifications, or poorly maintained equipment.

Employers must provide initial and refresher operator training, evaluate operator performance, and maintain equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,665

Eye and face protection violations commonly occur when employers fail to conduct hazard assessments or provide appropriate protective equipment.

To stay compliant, employers should assess workplace hazards, supply proper eye and face protection, and train employees on correct use and maintenance.

10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,239

Machine guarding rounds out the Top 10 OSHA Violations, with citations often tied to exposed moving parts, missing guards, or improperly installed protections.

Regular inspections, proper equipment guarding, and employee awareness are essential to preventing machine-related injuries and OSHA citations.

Why the Top 10 OSHA Violations Matter for 2026

The continued presence of the same violations on this list year-over-year highlights ongoing challenges with hazard recognition, training, and enforcement. Addressing these issues proactively can help employers reduce incidents, improve compliance, and protect their workforce throughout 2026.