Top 10 OSHA Safety Violations for 2025

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the top safety violations for 2025 at the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress and Expo in September. These findings help business owners understand the most common OSHA violations, what they mean for workplace safety, and how to prevent costly OSHA violations and fines.

Use this information—and an OSHA inspection checklist—to identify potential risks, meet OSHA training requirements, and reduce OSHA violations before they occur.

Falling off overhead platforms or workstations is one of the most common OSHA violations year after year. OSHA requires fall protection at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces. Using the correct fall protection equipment helps prevent serious injuries and supports compliance during an OSHA inspection.

OSHA General Requirement (1926.501)

Employers must clearly label hazardous chemicals and provide accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Proper labeling and OSHA training requirements for chemical safety ensure workers understand what they’re handling, which helps reduce risks and avoid OSHA violations and fines.

OSHA General Requirement: (1910.1200)

Improper ladder use or poor ladder maintenance can cause serious injuries. Always inspect ladders as part of your OSHA inspection checklist and ensure employees use them safely according to manufacturer guidelines.

OSHA General Requirement: (1926.1053)

When servicing machines and equipment, the energy sources can be hazardous to workers if precautions aren’t taken to control them properly. To guarantee workers’ safety, proper lockout/tagout procedures need to be followed, and reliable lockout/tagout gear must be used.

OSHA General Requirement: (1910.147)

Respiratory protection is essential for keeping employees safe from airborne hazards. Using the proper respiratory protection gear prevents workers from breathing in harmful gases, smoke, dust, and other air contaminants that may cause cancer, lung impairment, and diseases.

OSHA General Requirement: (1910.134)

Similar to #1 on OSHA’s list, this one relates to providing adequate training to employees who work in environments where they’re at risk of falling. The use of proper fall protection equipment is necessary, as is the appropriate training on how to properly and effectively use the equipment.

OSHA General Requirement: (1926.503)

Scaffolds, by OSHA’s guidelines, must support 4 times the maximum intended load applied. Using proper scaffolding equipment that complies with these guidelines, as well as reducing excess clutter and supplies, greatly reduces injuries attributed to falls and slipping.

OSHA General Requirement: (1926.451)

When moving materials with forklifts or lift trucks, many safety hazards can present themselves. When industrial trucks are in use, be sure that the operator receives comprehensive training, and that powered trucks and other vehicles are well-maintained.

OSHA General Requirement: (1910.178)

Eye and face protection are required when performing many jobs, yet forgetting to wear PPE is a common mistake. Neglecting to use sufficient eye and face protection can result in an array of injuries that can be avoided when taking the proper precautions. Remember, eye protection must provide side protection as well.

OSHA General Requirement: (1926.102)

Any moving part of a machine has the potential to cause serious harm. No matter the tool or machinery used, any part that’s in motion may cause injuries, either from rotating blades or flying debris, and needs to be safeguarded to protect workers from easily preventable injuries.

OSHA General Requirement: (1910.212)

Understanding and addressing these most common OSHA violations is key to creating a safer work environment and avoiding OSHA violations and fines. Use this list as a guide to inspect your workplace, confirm compliance with OSHA training requirements, and make safety part of your daily routine. Equip your facility with the right safety gear and compliance tools available at Zoro—and take confident steps toward a safer, more compliant workplace.

Product Compliance and Suitability
The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions. Portions of this article were generated in part by ChatGPT, and edited by a member of the Zoro team.