Top 10 OSHA violations for 2024
(and tips to stay off the list)

During the 2024 National Safety Council’s Safety Congress and Expo in September 2024, OSHA released preliminary data and the list of the 10 most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2024. The decrease in OSHA's top 10 violations, most notably Fall Protection, between 2023 and 2024, reflects increased awareness and compliance efforts by employers. OSHA and other safety organizations have enhanced educational programs, inspections, and enforcement strategies, which have contributed to better adherence to safety standards. While the numbers of violations decreased and the order changed, the makeup of the 10 standards remained unchanged from 2023. Learn the offenders, take steps to keep your facility from contributing to the list and keep your workers safe.

  1. 1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) – 6,307 Violations

    Fall protection tops the list for the 14th year in a row, and it’s for good reason. Falls continue to be a leading cause of workplace accidents and deaths. In 2020, just over one-third of the deaths (353) in the construction industry were due to falls, slips, and trips, and were almost entirely from falls to a lower level, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standard 1926.501 is designed to protect employees on walking or working surfaces with an unprotected side or edge above 6 feet.

    Fall protection tips:

    • Post safety signs to warn of danger or hazards
    • Keep absorption products readily accessible to clean up spills immediately
    • Use handrails, safety nets and other protective devices
    • Keep ladder rungs, feet and steps clean and dry and observe load limit

    Learn more about the OSHA Fall Protection Standard and standard 1926.501.

    A view of a fence with an OSHA Danger sign that says 'Danger - Unprotected Edge Past Yellow Line - Fall Protection Required When Gate is Open.'

  2. 2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 2,888 Violations

    Chemical accidents can turn deadly, quickly, on a large scale. In 2017, 41 U.S. workers died on the job after a single episode of inhaling chemicals and chemical products, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standard 1910.1200 helps ensure information about the identities and hazards of chemicals is readily available and understandable for workers. It applies to chemicals produced in the workplace and those imported into the workplace.

    Chemical safety tips:

    Learn more about the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.1200.

    A man attaching an isopropyl alcohol GHS HazCom label to a barrel in a warehouse environment.

  3. 3. Ladders (1926.1053) – 2,573 Violations

    Ladders are some of the most common pieces of workplace equipment. But their ubiquity and ease of use put workers in dangerous situations when manufacturer recommendations and safe ladder practices are ignored. In 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries from which ladders were the primary source, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Ladder safety tips:

    • Position ladders on a stable, level surface
    • Use three points of contact
    • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder
    • Keep maintenance regular and recorded with ladder inspection tags

    Learn more about the OSHA Ladders Standard 1926.1053.

    A ladder inspection safety tag hangs on a red ladder in a workplace environment.

  4. 4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 2,470 Violations

    OSHA requires employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program. This includes situations in which permissible exposure limits (PELs) of airborne contaminants are exceeded and requirements for respirator requirements, including selection, employee training, fit testing, medical evaluation, use, cleaning, maintenance and repair. Compliance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard may help avert hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses annually, according to OSHA.

    Respirator safety tips:

    • Post signs to warn of danger or respirator-required areas
    • Have a written program in place
    • Provide the correct respirators, training, fit testing and medical evaluations
    • Ensure proper care, maintenance and use of respirators

    Learn more about the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.134.

    A yellow Caution safety sign that says 'Caution - Respirator Must Be Worn When Working With Chemicals.'

  5. 5. Lockout Tagout (1910.147) – 2,443 Violations

    OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulation, commonly referred to as lockout tagout, requires that energy sources be contained during servicing and maintenance to ensure worker safety. When such hazardous energy sources are not properly controlled, workers servicing or maintaining the machines or equipment may end up seriously injured or even killed. Compliance with the lockout/ tagout standard prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year, according to OSHA.

    Lockout tagout safety tips:

    Learn more about OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Standard 1910.147.

    A man unlocking a lockout padlock that's attached to a yellow lockout station in a warehouse environment.

  6. 6. Forklifts and Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 2,248 Violations

    You’d be hard-pressed to find facilities/industries that don’t utilize powered industrial trucks, like a forklift or lift truck. But their heavy weight, powerful capabilities and operation in busy or narrow areas can make them dangerous. Forklifts were the source of 78 work-related deaths and 7,290 nonfatal injuries involving days away from work in 2020, according to the NSC. OSHA requires that forklift operators be over the age of 18, and all forklift operators must go through proper training and licensing. In addition, they are subject to performance evaluations and refresher training.

    Powered industrial trucks safety tips:

    • Wear seatbelts
    • Never exceed the rated load and do not raise or lower the load while traveling
    • Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges
    • Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas
    • Lock out forklifts during service and repair
    • Post signs to warn of forklift traffic and directions
    • Use floor tape to mark aisles and passageways and keep them clear of hazards
    • Read this article on heavy equipment safety for more tips on heavy machinery safety

    Learn more about OSHA’s Powered Industrial Trucks Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.178.

    A forklift is shown in a warehouse with a steering wheel safety cover on it that says 'Caution - Do Not Move Or Start Equipment - This Cover May Only Be Removed By Authorized Personnel.'

  7. 7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 2,050 Violations

    OSHA regulations require anyone going up heights 6 feet or higher to be trained on fall protection. This includes recognizing fall hazards, correct procedures to be followed to minimize hazards, limitations of equipment as well as their correct use and operation a training must be certified by a competent person, and retraining should occur if equipment and conditions change. Our Slips, Trips, and Falls guide provides resources that can help prevent falls in the workplace.

    OSHA’s Fall Prevention Training Guide gives tips for how to conduct trainings, called “Toolbox Talks,” including to keep them:

    • Short – Each Toolbox Talk should last approximately 5 to 10 minutes
    • Participatory – Allow workers to ask questions and discuss the topic
    • Easy to follow – Avoid jargon, confusing and irrelevant topics or instructions

    Learn more about OSHA’s Fall Protection – Training Requirements Standard 1926.503.

    A woman provides OSHA training to a room of employees in a conference room.

  8. 8. Scaffolding (1926.451) – 1,873 Violations

    OSHA scaffolding regulations minimize falls and falling objects on or near scaffolding at heights of 10 feet or higher. Many citations relate to issues of inadequate or missing guardrail systems, fall protection, and foundations for poles, legs, posts, uprights and frames. There were 52 fatal falls to lower levels from scaffolding in 2020, according to OSHA via the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Scaffolding safety tips:

    • Ensure scaffold deck is fully floored, level and can support its intended load
    • Use fall protection devices, such as guardrails, toeboards, screens and netting
    • Maintain regular inspections and training
    • Identify key safety and compliance information via scaffold tags

    Learn more about OSHA's General Requirements for Scaffolding and OSHA Standard 1926.451.

    A white and red scaffold tag hangs on the outside scaffolding of an industrial building.

  9. 9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment, Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,814 Violations

    Eye injuries are largely preventable with the proper protection. Still, thousands of workers are injured or blinded every year. OSHA requires eye and face protection to be provided whenever necessary to protect workers against chemical, environmental, radiological and mechanical irritants and hazards.

    Eye and face protection safety tips:

    • Ensure eyewear fits properly and is designed for the specific hazard
    • Eyeglass wearers should have safety equipment that fits over glasses
    • Clean and disinfect eyewear before storage
    • Use face shields with protective eyewear
    • Remind employees when PPE is needed with PPE signs

    Learn more about OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection Standard and OSHA Standard 1926.102.

    A white a blue OSHA PPE Sign that says 'Notice - All PPE Required Beyond This Point' is displayed on a warehouse floor.

  10. 10. Machine Guarding (1910.212) – 1,541 Violations

    Moving machine parts can crush fingers or hands and cause amputations, burns or blindness. Machine guarding helps prevent these injuries by physically preventing accidental contact of machine parts or debris by operators or others in the immediate vicinity.

    Machine guarding safety tips:

    • Keep employees informed with machine operation signs
    • Don’t adjust or remove guards without proper authorization
    • Ensure machine guards are in place before starting machinery
    • Train employees to recognize incomplete, ineffective or missing machine guards
    • Ensure minor servicing procedures are up to date

    Learn more about OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard and OSHA Standard 1910.212.

    An orange electrical safety sign that says 'Warning - Keep Hands Out of Machinery' is displayed on a large, blue industrial piece of equipment.'

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