OSHA's 10 most cited standards for 2025 highlight ongoing safety challenges
OSHA has released its preliminary list of the most cited workplace safety violations this year. Fall protection remains a primary concern, but the entire list provides insight into where safety professionals should focus their efforts.
Each year, OSHA's list of most cited standards provides an insightful look at where workplaces are struggling to meet safety requirements. At the National Safety Council's 2025 Safety Congress & Expo, held this week at the Colorado Convention Center, OSHA Regional Administrator Eric Harbin presented the agency's preliminary top 10 for fiscal year 2025, based on data as of August 12.
The list once again underscores the persistence of long-standing threats. “They have the ability, they have the desire, they just need the knowledge,” Harbin said, pointing out that small businesses often want to comply but lack the resources. OSHA hopes to close this gap by promoting advisory programs and training support.
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
For the fifteenth year in a row, fall protection tops the list with 5,914 violations. Most of the mentions were from roof, frame and facade construction companies. OSHA's fall protection regulations are clear: Employers must provide guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall protection systems when workers are exposed to fall hazards. Dangers often come from unprotected edges, unsafe scaffolding or improperly used ladders.
Despite years of emphasis, falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Harbin said roofing was the most commonly cited industry. This is a reminder that high-risk occupations need to redouble their efforts in training, supervision and workplace risk assessment.
2. Danger communication (1910.1200)
Hazard Communication is again in second place with 2,546 violations. Interestingly, Harbin found that roofers – who are not traditionally considered chemical-intensive – were the most common violators.
The HazCom standard requires employers to develop a written program, maintain safety data sheets, properly label containers and train workers on chemical hazards. Compliance violations are often due to missing safety data sheets, outdated labels or inadequate employee training. Because chemical exposures occur in nearly every industry, even small employers must ensure that hazard communication programs are current and accessible.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
Ladder safety continues to be a problem across all construction trades, with 2,405 violations. Roofing contractors again led the way, followed by framing and siding contractors.
OSHA requires that ladders be strong enough to support intended loads, free from slip hazards, and properly positioned. Some of the most common allegations include using ladders at unsafe angles, overloading, or failing to remove damaged ladders from service. The fact that ladders remain in the top three violations highlights that everyday tools can still pose a serious risk if used improperly.
This article originally appeared in the issue of .