Understanding OSHA's Most Cited Standards
Each year, OSHA publishes its list of most frequently cited standards. Understanding these common violations helps organizations prioritize their compliance efforts and avoid costly penalties.
1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501)
Why it's cited: Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. This standard requires protection at heights of 6 feet or more in construction.
How to comply:
Install guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systemsTrain workers on fall hazards and protection systemsInspect fall protection equipment before each useDevelop a written fall protection plan for complex operations2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Why it's cited: Employers must inform workers about chemical hazards through labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and training.
How to comply:
Maintain current SDS for all hazardous chemicalsEnsure all containers are properly labeled with GHS-compliant labelsTrain employees on hazard communication annuallyKeep a written hazard communication program3. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
Why it's cited: Improper respirator use can result in serious illness from exposure to harmful atmospheres.
How to comply:
Conduct exposure assessments to determine if respirators are neededImplement a written respiratory protection programProvide medical evaluations before fit testingConduct annual fit testing and training4. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
Why it's cited: Scaffold-related incidents cause numerous deaths and injuries annually.
How to comply:
Ensure scaffolds are erected by competent personsInstall guardrails on all open sides at 10 feet or moreInspect scaffolds before each work shiftProvide safe access via ladders or stairways5. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Why it's cited: Ladder falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries.
How to comply:
Maintain 3-point contact while climbingExtend ladders 3 feet above landing surfacesSecure ladders at top and bottomTrain workers on proper ladder selection and use6. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
Why it's cited: Failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance causes approximately 50,000 injuries annually.
How to comply:
Develop machine-specific lockout proceduresProvide locks and tags for all affected employeesConduct annual training and periodic inspectionsDocument all lockout procedures and training7. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
Why it's cited: Forklift incidents cause nearly 100 deaths and 35,000 serious injuries each year.
How to comply:
Train and evaluate all operators before allowing them to operateConduct refresher training every three yearsInspect forklifts daily before useMaintain clear pedestrian walkways8. Fall Protection Training (29 CFR 1926.503)
Why it's cited: Workers must understand fall hazards and proper use of protection systems.
How to comply:
Train workers to recognize fall hazardsEnsure workers can properly use fall protection equipmentRetrain when job conditions changeDocument all training with dates and content9. Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910.132)
Why it's cited: PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards.
How to comply:
Conduct hazard assessments for all work areasSelect appropriate PPE for identified hazardsTrain workers on proper use and maintenanceReplace damaged or worn PPE promptly10. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
Why it's cited: Unguarded machinery causes thousands of amputations and severe injuries annually.
How to comply:
Guard point of operation, nip points, and rotating partsEnsure guards are secure and don't create new hazardsUse proper lockout/tagout during guard removalTrain workers on machine guarding requirementsProactive Compliance Strategies
Rather than waiting for an OSHA inspection, take proactive steps:
**Conduct self-audits** using OSHA's inspection checklists**Engage employees** in identifying and correcting hazards**Document everything** - training, inspections, corrections**Stay current** on regulatory changes and interpretations**Consider OSHA's consultation program** for free, confidential adviceCritical Dynamics offers comprehensive OSHA compliance audits to help you identify and correct violations before they result in citations. Contact us to schedule your assessment.