OSHA’s annual “Top 10” list highlights the workplace safety hazards and compliance issues cited most frequently during inspections, providing employers with a practical framework for prioritizing safety efforts. During the September 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its preliminary list of the most frequently cited workplace standards for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The finalized list is expected to be published in spring 2027.
For the 16th consecutive year, Fall Protection – General Requirements, a construction industry standard, topped OSHA’s list of most frequently cited regulations. Of the general industry standards, Hazard Communication remained the second most commonly cited standard for the fifth straight year.
This year’s Top 10 list contains the same OSHA standards that appeared in FY 2025, with only minor changes in ranking. For example, Respiratory Protection moved from fifth to sixth place, and The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) rose from fourth to third.
While the rankings changed slightly, the consistency of the list demonstrates that many employers continue to struggle with the same core safety challenges year after year. Organizations that proactively address these recurring hazards can reduce regulatory risk while improving employee safety.
FY 2026 Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards
The preliminary FY 2026 Top 10 list is provided below, along with links to OSHA resources that can help employers understand and address these commonly cited standards.
- Fall Protection – General Requirements [29 CFR 1926.501]: 4,041 violations related to identifying fall hazards and providing fall protection in the construction industry. Fall Prevention
- Hazard Communication [29 CFR 1910.1200]: 1,961 violations involving inadequate communication of workplace hazards. Hazard Communication
- The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) [29 CFR 1910.147]: 1,863 violations for failing to protect workers from hazardous electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy sources. Lockout/Tagout
- Scaffolding [29 CFR 1926.451]: 1,725 violations related to scaffolding hazards in the construction industry. Scaffolding
- Ladders [29 CFR 1926.1053]: 1,659 violations involving ladder safety and use in construction. Ladders
- Respiratory Protection [29 CFR 1910.134]: 1,608 violations for inadequately protecting workers from respiratory hazards such as oxygen deficiency, particulates, gases, and vapors. Respiratory Protection
- Powered Industrial Trucks [29 CFR 1910.178]: 1,379 violations involving powered industrial trucks and associated workplace safety programs. Powered Industrial Trucks – Forklifts
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements [29 CFR 1926.503]: 1,273 violations related to noncompliant training and recordkeeping for employees exposed to fall hazards in the construction industry. Fall Prevention Training
- Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection [29 CFR 1926.102]: 1,120 violations regarding inadequate eye and face protection from chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards in the construction industry. Eye and Face Protection
- Machine Guarding [29 CFR 1910.212]: 1,072 violations concerning hazards from moving machine parts and inadequate safeguarding methods. Machine Guarding
Reducing Risk and Improving Compliance
Violations of OSHA standards can result in significant financial penalties. In 2026, certain OSHA violations, including willful or repeated violations, may result in fines of up to $165,514 per violation, with amounts typically adjusted annually for inflation. In addition, employers that demonstrate indifference to workplace safety obligations through willful, repeated, or failure-to-abate violations may be placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
OSHA encourages employers to use the Top 10 list as a tool for identifying significant hazards and evaluating the effectiveness of existing safety programs. Reviewing these commonly cited standards can help organizations focus prevention efforts, strengthen compliance, and reduce workplace risks.
Even if the standards listed above do not apply to your organization, there are likely equivalent requirements that do. These include, but are not limited to, the following general industry examples.
- Eye and Face Protection [29 CFR 1910.133]
- Fall and Falling Object Protection [29 CFR 1910.28]
- Ladders [29 CFR 1910.23]
When no specific regulation applies, OSHA may cite the General Duty Clause [OSH Act SEC. 5] for any hazard that is not identified, mitigated, or controlled, and penalties may be assessed whenever employees are not protected.
Safety Partners can help organizations identify and address workplace safety concerns before an OSHA inspection occurs. Our team can develop and implement safety programs, conduct workplace assessments, provide employee training, and support regulatory compliance efforts. Contact us to learn more.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Director of Quality, Research, and Training at Safety Partners.
