Top OSHA Safety Violations and How to Avoid Them

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exists to ensure that workplaces across the United States are safe and healthy. Yet, every year, thousands of businesses are cited for safety violations—many of which are entirely preventable. Understanding the most common OSHA violations can help your company avoid costly fines, protect employees, and maintain compliance.

In this post, we’ll explore the top OSHA safety violations and provide practical tips to prevent them.



The Most Common OSHA Violations

Each year, OSHA publishes a list of the most frequently cited safety standards. While industries differ, these violations appear consistently across construction, manufacturing, and general industry sectors.

1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501)

The Violation:
Falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in construction and other industries. Violations typically involve lack of guardrails, fall arrest systems, or unsafe ladders.

How to Avoid It:

  • Install proper fall protection systems such as guardrails and safety nets.

  • Provide personal fall arrest systems for workers at heights.

  • Conduct regular fall protection training for all employees working above 6 feet.

2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

The Violation:
Employers often fail to properly label chemicals, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or train employees on hazardous materials.

How to Avoid It:

  • Keep an updated written hazard communication program.

  • Clearly label all hazardous chemicals.

  • Provide SDS access and conduct chemical safety training for all staff.

3. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)

The Violation:
Workers exposed to airborne contaminants are sometimes not provided with the correct respirators or aren’t fit-tested for them.

How to Avoid It:

  • Conduct air quality assessments.

  • Provide the correct respirators for the job.

  • Ensure proper fit-testing and training for all employees.

4. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)

The Violation:
Improper scaffold construction and use lead to falls and structural collapses.

How to Avoid It:

  • Ensure scaffolds are erected by qualified personnel.

  • Inspect scaffolding daily before use.

  • Provide guardrails and access ladders.

5. Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts) (29 CFR 1910.178)

The Violation:
Untrained forklift operators, unsafe driving, and lack of maintenance are common causes of violations.

How to Avoid It:

  • Train and certify all forklift operators.

  • Conduct regular forklift maintenance.

  • Enforce safe operating procedures.

Proactive Steps to Stay OSHA-Compliant

  1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits – Identify hazards before OSHA does.

  2. Invest in Employee Training – OSHA-compliant safety training should be ongoing.

  3. Maintain Clear Documentation – Keep training logs, inspection records, and safety policies updated.

  4. Encourage a Safety Culture – Empower employees to report hazards without fear of retaliation.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding OSHA violations isn’t just about preventing fines—it’s about protecting lives. By understanding these common safety hazards and addressing them proactively, your workplace can remain compliant, efficient, and safe for everyone.

FAQs

1. What are the most common OSHA safety violations?

Answer:
The most common OSHA violations include fall protection, hazard communication, respiratory protection, scaffolding safety, and powered industrial truck (forklift) operation.

2. How can companies prevent OSHA violations?

Answer:
Businesses can prevent violations by conducting regular safety audits, providing ongoing employee training, maintaining proper safety equipment, and keeping accurate safety documentation.

3. What is the penalty for an OSHA violation?

Answer:
As of 2025, OSHA penalties can exceed $16,000 per violation, and willful or repeated violations can result in fines of over $161,000, plus possible legal action.

4. How often should OSHA safety training be conducted?

Answer:
Training should be provided during onboarding, whenever new hazards are introduced, and as required by OSHA—such as every three years for forklift certification or annually for certain programs.

5. Does OSHA offer resources to help companies stay compliant?

Answer:
Yes. OSHA provides free compliance assistance programs, safety publications, and on-site consultation services to help businesses identify and correct hazards.


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