Fall protection violations dominated OSHA citations for the 14th consecutive year, with 6,307 violations, followed by hazard communication (2,888) and ladder safety (2,573). The top 10 list remains unchanged year-over-year, indicating persistent industry-wide safety challenges. All violation categories showed decreases when compared to the previous year, yet these recurring issues highlight critical areas where proper safety equipment, training, and engineered solutions can significantly reduce workplace risks and compliance violations.
OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations: Critical Compliance Areas for Industrial Facilities
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s annual list of most frequently cited standards provides essential guidance for safety professionals prioritizing compliance efforts. According to data presented at the 2024 NSC Safety Conference and Expo, these violations represent the most persistent safety challenges across American workplaces.
Source: Grainger’s analysis of OSHA’s preliminary 2024 violation data
Most Critical Violations
The rankings remain remarkably stable year after year, with fall protection maintaining its position as the most cited violation for 14 consecutive years. This consistency indicates that industry-wide safety improvements require more than traditional compliance approaches—they demand comprehensive safety systems and proactive hazard management.
| Rank | Violation Type | Standard | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall Protection—General Requirements | 1926.501 | 6,307 |
| 2 | Hazard Communication | 1910.1200 | 2,888 |
| 3 | Ladders | 1926.1053 | 2,573 |
| 4 | Respiratory Protection | 1910.134 | 2,470 |
| 5 | Lockout/Tagout | 1910.147 | 2,443 |
| 6 | Powered Industrial Trucks | 1910.178 | 2,248 |
| 7 | Fall Protection—Training Requirements | 1926.503 | 2,050 |
| 8 | Scaffolding | 1926.451 | 1,873 |
| 9 | Eye and Face Protection | 1926.102 | 1,814 |
| 10 | Machine Guarding | 1910.212 | 1,541 |
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
6,307 violations
Fall protection violations continue to dominate OSHA citations, affecting workers at heights as low as four feet. Effective fall protection requires properly engineered systems including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest equipment.
SafeRack’s fall protection solutions provide comprehensive coverage for industrial access points, loading platforms, and elevated work areas.
Body Harness
Full-Body Safety Harnesses for Comprehensive Fall Protection
Beam Trolley & Lifeline
Fall Arrest Systems for Horizontal Mobility at Heights
MaxRack Elevated Platforms
Powered elevating platform system for accessing railcars and trucks
Flatbed Fall Protection & Tarping
Safer, More Efficient Flatbed Loading and Tarping Solutions
Gangways
Truck, Railcar and Marine Gangways, Safety Cages, and Inspection Services
Safety Gates
Industrial safety swing gates, facility guardrails, mezzanine gates and barriers gates.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
2,888 violations
Proper hazard communication protects all workplace personnel—employees, contractors, and visitors—from chemical hazards through effective labeling, safety data sheets, and training programs.
Signs and Signals
Signs and Signals
Derail & Rerailers
Railcar Derail and Rerail Systems provide a critical safety solution for preventing unauthorized or accidental railcar movement in loading terminals.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
2,573 violations
Ladder safety violations often involve improper extension heights and inadequate securing mechanisms. OSHA requires ladders to extend at least three feet above upper landing surfaces with proper grab rails.
SafeRack’s engineered access platforms eliminate many ladder-related risks by providing permanent, code-compliant access solutions.
Ship, Fixed and Rolling Ladders
Fixed ladder, steep inclined ship ladders and rolling ladders for areas where standard stair length runs are not feasible.
Rolling Ladder
The Tilt and Roll Rolling Ladders are designed with ample room to complete any task efficiently.
Rolling Stairs & Mobile Platforms
SafeRack offers a full line of versatile rolling stairs and mobile platform solutions
4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
2,470 violations
Respiratory protection programs require medical evaluations, proper fit-testing, and regular equipment maintenance to protect against airborne contaminants.
5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
2,443 violations
LOTO procedures protect workers servicing equipment by ensuring hazardous energy sources are properly controlled through documented shutdown, isolation, and securing processes.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
2,248 violations
Forklift and industrial vehicle safety requires certified operator training, regular evaluations, and comprehensive safety protocols for vehicle operation areas.
Flatbed Fall Protection & Tarping
Safer, More Efficient Flatbed Loading and Tarping Solutions
Trailer Stabilizing Jacks
Industrial jack stands to stabilize or level truck trailers when servicing or unloading.
Bollards and Bumper Posts
The Bollards and Bumper Posts provide durable protection, custom sizes, and easy-to-install covers for enhanced facility safety.
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
2,050 violations
Beyond equipment, fall protection requires comprehensive training programs with documented certification records, including employee names, training dates, and trainer signatures.
8. Scaffolding (1926.451)
1,873 violations
Scaffolding systems must meet strict design, construction, and maintenance requirements, with appropriate fall protection measures for workers at elevated levels.
Portable Access Platforms
SafeRack’s MAUI mobile access units provide secure, adjustable stair solutions for safely accessing elevated truck and railcar work areas, even in the most challenging environments.
Mobile Work Platforms
The MP Series is a highly mobile work platform designed to bring the workspace and stability of a fixed platform to a rolling stair mobile unit.
Rolling Stairs & Mobile Platforms
SafeRack offers a full line of versatile rolling stairs and mobile platform solutions
Renting Scaffolding?
Scaffolding Rental vs Semi-Permanent ErectaStep Metal Modular Platforms
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102)
1,814 violations
Personal protective equipment for eyes and face must provide adequate protection against flying particles, chemical splashes, gases, vapors, and radiation hazards.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
1,541 violations
Proper machine guarding protects workers from rotating machinery, pinch points, and equipment that generates debris, sparks, or other hazardous materials.
Wire Partitions & Cages
With a designated, secure area to store tools and equipment, you can mitigate theft and track/control tools and equipment.
Barrier Gates
YellowGates XL barrier gate provides 6 feet of adjustability protects every pathway in your facility
Safety Gates
Industrial safety swing gates, facility guardrails, mezzanine gates and barriers gates.
Breaking the Cycle: Beyond Basic Compliance
The persistence of these violation types year after year suggests that traditional compliance approaches aren’t sufficient. Effective safety management requires proactive systems that identify and address hazards before they result in violations or injuries.
SafeRack’s comprehensive safety approach addresses multiple OSHA violation categories through:
- Engineered fall protection systems designed for industrial applications
- Permanent access solutions that eliminate ladder-related risks
- Comprehensive safety platforms with integrated fall protection
- Training and consultation services for proper implementation
- Ongoing support to maintain compliance and safety performance
Moving Forward with Integrated Safety Solutions
These OSHA violation trends highlight the critical need for comprehensive safety systems rather than piecemeal compliance efforts. SafeRack’s integrated approach combines engineered solutions with expert consultation to create safer, more efficient industrial operations.
Our safety specialists work with facilities to develop customized solutions that not only meet OSHA requirements but enhance operational efficiency and worker protection. Contact SafeRack to discuss how our comprehensive safety solutions can address the persistent challenges highlighted in OSHA’s top 10 violations.
Data source: Grainger’s “Top 10 OSHA Violations: 2024” based on preliminary OSHA data presented at the 2024 NSC Safety Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida.
