Safety violations in the workplace happen more often than most people realize—and they’re rarely intentional. Whether it’s a missed training, a damaged guardrail, or an outdated label, these gaps in compliance can put workers at risk and expose companies to serious penalties. That’s why OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) publishes an annual list of the most common OSHA violations, based on inspection data. This list offers valuable insight into where many organizations fall short and what can be done to prevent these recurring issues.
What Are OSHA Violations?
OSHA violations refer to breaches of federal workplace safety standards, as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. These violations are discovered during inspections, which may be triggered by routine audits, employee complaints, severe injuries, or hazardous conditions.
Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment, free of known hazards. Failing to comply with OSHA standards can lead to fines, citations, or even legal action, especially if the violation results in injury or death. For this reason, understanding and addressing common OSHA violations is essential to preventing unsafe working conditions and promoting compliance.
The 10 Most Common OSHA Violations:
Every year, OSHA publishes a list of the most frequently cited safety violations across industries. These violations consistently appear at the top of the list and often involve issues that are entirely preventable with the right safety systems in place.
1. Fall Protection (1926.501)
Failure to provide adequate fall protection is the number one OSHA violation year after year. This includes missing guardrails, unprotected edges, or improper use of personal fall arrest systems.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
This violation involves failing to communicate hazardous chemical risks through labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), or employee training programs.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
Common ladder violations include using the wrong ladder for the job, damaged ladders, or improper ladder setup.
4. Scaffolding (1926.451)
Improper scaffold construction or lack of guardrails can lead to serious falls. Scaffolding violations often involve missing planking or unstable structures.
5. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
This includes forklifts and other vehicles. Violations range from a lack of operator training to unsafe vehicle maintenance.
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
Failure to properly lock out equipment during maintenance can result in fatal injuries. This violation centers around energy control procedures and training.
7. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
Violations include not providing proper respiratory protection or failing to conduct fit testing and medical evaluations.
8. Fall Protection Training (1926.503)
Training deficiencies remain a leading cause of fall-related citations. Employers must ensure workers are trained to recognize and avoid fall hazards.
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
This violation involves a lack of protective eyewear or the use of incorrect PPE in environments where flying particles or chemicals are present.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Exposed moving parts without proper guards are a major cause of amputations and injuries. This standard requires specific safeguards on all machines.
6 Types of OSHA Violations
OSHA categorizes safety violations into six types, each carrying different levels of severity and potential penalties. Listed below from the most severe to the least:
1. Failure to Abate
When an employer fails to correct a cited hazard by the deadline, OSHA issues a failure to abate violation. These can result in steep penalties of up to $16,131 per day until the issue is resolved, causing fines to escalate quickly.
2. Repeated Violation
A repeated violation occurs when an employer is cited for the same or a very similar hazard that OSHA previously identified. Fines can reach up to $161,323 per violation, signaling a serious lapse in maintaining compliance.
3. Willful Violation
Willful violations involve an employer’s intentional disregard for OSHA regulations or plain indifference to employee safety. These violations also carry fines of up to $161,323 per violation and can sometimes result in criminal charges if a fatality occurs.
4. Serious Violation
A serious violation occurs when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard the employer knew or should have known about. Fines for serious violations can reach up to $16,131 per violation.
5. Other-Than-Serious Violation
An other-than-serious violation is less likely to result in serious harm but still breaches OSHA standards. Fines for these violations are discretionary and can be up to $16,131, though they are typically much lower.
6. De Minimis Violation
A de minimis violation refers to minor technical infractions that have no direct impact on health or safety. These do not result in fines but are recorded in the inspection report for documentation purposes.
Get Safety Compliant with SMG
If your organization wants to avoid the most common safety violations in the workplace, it starts with knowing what to look for—and what to fix. At Safety Management Group, we help Clients build stronger safety systems through safety audits, training, and safety compliance services and support tailored to your environment. Our team can evaluate your risk, deliver targeted improvements, and prepare your workforce to prevent work safety violations before they happen.
Whether you’re addressing unsafe working conditions or preparing for a regulatory inspection, you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with SMG to get expert guidance and long-term confidence in your safety program.
