How to Avoid Costly Fines in 2026
Based on OSHA's latest annual data, these are the most frequently cited workplace safety violations. The good news? They're all preventable with proper training and awareness.
Fall Protection - General Requirements
6,541 violations cited (Oct 2024 - Sept 2025)
What It Is:
Failure to protect workers from falls on construction sites and elevated work areas. This includes missing guardrails, inadequate fall arrest systems, improper safety net systems, and unprotected floor openings. Falls are the leading cause of construction worker deaths.
✓ How to Avoid This Violation:
- Install guardrails on all platforms and edges over 6 feet (construction) or 4 feet (general industry)
- Provide and require proper fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards, anchor points)
- Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use
- Ensure workers are trained on proper use of fall protection
- Cover or guard all floor openings and holes
- Have a competent person supervise fall hazard work
Hazard Communication
2,877 violations cited (Oct 2024 - Sept 2025)
What It Is:
Failing to properly inform workers about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This includes missing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), unlabeled containers, lack of written hazard communication program, and inadequate employee training on chemical hazards.
✓ How to Avoid This Violation:
- Maintain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical on-site
- Ensure all chemical containers have GHS-compliant labels
- Create and maintain a written hazard communication program
- Train all employees on chemical hazards before they work with them
- Make SDS readily accessible to all employees during their shifts
- Update your chemical inventory annually
Ladders
2,674 violations cited (Oct 2024 - Sept 2025)
What It Is:
Unsafe ladder use including improper setup angles, damaged rungs, inadequate extension above landing, lack of securing, and using ladders on unstable surfaces. Ladder falls cause thousands of injuries annually.
✓ How to Avoid This Violation:
- Set ladders at proper 4:1 ratio angle (75 degrees)
- Extend ladders at least 3 feet above the landing point
- Secure ladders at top and bottom to prevent movement
- Inspect ladders before each use for damage
- Never use damaged ladders - tag them "Do Not Use"
- Maintain 3-point contact when climbing
- Ensure stable, level footing for ladder base
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
2,497 violations cited (Oct 2024 - Sept 2025)
What It Is:
Failure to properly isolate and control hazardous energy sources during equipment maintenance and servicing. This includes inadequate lockout/tagout procedures, missing written programs, lack of employee training, and failure to use proper devices to prevent unexpected machine startup.
✓ How to Avoid This Violation:
- Develop and implement a written lockout/tagout program
- Identify all energy sources for each piece of equipment
- Provide adequate lockout/tagout devices for all energy isolation points
- Train authorized employees on specific procedures
- Train affected employees on the purpose of lockout/tagout
- Verify energy isolation before beginning work
- Conduct periodic inspections of procedures at least annually
📚 Recommended Training Courses:
Respiratory Protection
2,214 violations cited (Oct 2024 - Sept 2025)
What It Is:
Improper use or maintenance of respirators, lack of medical evaluations, missing fit testing, and failure to have a written respiratory protection program. This affects workers exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or airborne contaminants.
✓ How to Avoid This Violation:
- Conduct medical evaluations before requiring respirator use
- Perform annual fit testing for all respirator users
- Establish a written respiratory protection program
- Provide the correct type of respirator for each hazard
- Train workers on proper use, cleaning, and storage
- Replace filters and cartridges according to manufacturer guidelines
- Document all fit tests, training, and medical clearances
Protect Your Workers. Avoid These Violations.
Get comprehensive OSHA training from an authorized education center.
OSHA #7500
Introduction to Safety and Health Management
OTC #308
Safety Inspection Techniques
OSHA #7515
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)