Every year, OSHA publishes its list of the most frequently cited violations. Construction sites dominate that list, and for good reason: falls, equipment hazards, and lack of training continue to cause injuries and deaths. But here’s the good news: most violations are preventable. If you know what OSHA inspectors look for and implement basic safeguards, you can keep your crew safe and avoid costly fines. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 OSHA violations on construction sites, explain why they happen, and give you practical steps to prevent each one.
The #1 OSHA Violation: Fall Protection (1926.501)
Citations in 2025: 5,914 violations Average fine: $10,000+ Falls remain the leading cause of construction fatalities for the 15th consecutive year.
Why It’s Cited So Often
- Workers exposed to 6+ feet without protection
- Improper harnesses or missing anchors
- No written fall protection plan
- Lack of training before exposure
How to Prevent It
- Identify all fall hazards during site planning (roofs, edges, scaffolds, mezzanines, truck beds, etc.)
- Select appropriate protection: Guardrails (if 4-6 ft edges), safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems
- Use proper anchors: Tie-off points must support 5,000 lbs minimum (or 100% of worker + equipment)
- Inspect harnesses, lanyards, and tie-off points before each use
- Create a written fall protection plan detailing methods, rescue procedures, and responsibilities
- Train all workers on fall hazards and protection methods before exposure
- Enforce 100% tie-off policy — no exceptions
#2: Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Citations in 2025: 2,546 violations Average fine: $8,000+ Construction involves many hazardous chemicals: solvents, adhesives, paints, concrete sealers, fuels, pesticides, etc. Workers must know what they’re using and how to protect themselves.
Why It’s Cited So Often
- Unlabeled chemical containers
- Missing or unavailable Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Workers not trained on chemical hazards
- No hazard communication program in place
How to Prevent It
- Maintain a written hazard communication program listing all hazardous chemicals on site
- Label every chemical container with product name and hazard warnings
- Keep SDS documents accessible (physical copies or electronic access) for every chemical
- Train workers on:
- How to read labels and SDS documents
- Hazards of specific chemicals they’ll use
- Safe handling and emergency procedures
- Update SDS library when new chemicals are introduced or every 3-5 years
#3: Ladders (1926.1053)
Citations in 2025: 2,950+ violations Average fine: $3,000 Ladder misuse is simple to prevent but frequently overlooked.
Most Common Violations
- Using damaged ladders (broken rungs, missing braces)
- Incorrect ladder angle (too steep or too shallow)
- Standing on the top rung or step
- Using a ladder for tasks requiring scaffolding or lifts
- Ladders placed on unstable, uneven surfaces
- Ladder not extending 3 feet above the landing surface
How to Prevent It
- Inspect ladders daily before use; look for cracks, broken rungs, loose components
- Remove damaged ladders from service immediately
- Maintain proper angle: 1 foot out for every 4 feet high (roughly 75 degrees)
- Never stand on the top step or rung; only use the bottom N-1 rungs
- Extend ladders 3 feet above the landing surface (roof edge, platform, etc.)
- Place ladders on stable, level ground; don’t place on boxes, tires, or unstable surfaces
- Use ladders only for their intended purpose — not as scaffolding, planks, or access to equipment
- Train workers on ladder selection and setup (sizes, angles, inspection)
#4: Scaffolding (1926.451)
Citations in 2025: 1,905+ violations Average fine: $8,000+ Scaffolding accidents happen fast and with devastating consequences.
Most Common Violations
- Missing or inadequate guardrails (top rail + mid-rail)
- Missing toe boards
- Scaffolds overloaded beyond rated capacity (must support 4x max intended load)
- Improper planking (damaged, wrong thickness, wrong span)
- No competent person daily inspection
- Weak foundations for support poles (settling, sloped, wet)
How to Prevent It
- Ensure scaffolds are erected by qualified personnel
- Install guardrails (top rail 39-45 inches, mid-rail 19-21 inches)
- Install toe boards (minimum 4 inches) to prevent objects falling
- Verify weight capacity: Post load rating; never exceed 4x capacity
- Use proper planking: Full-thickness scaffold planks rated for the span
- Inspect scaffolds daily before workers use them (especially after weather, weekend)
- Keep platforms clear of tripping hazards, tools, and debris
- Prepare foundations properly: Level, compacted, and capable of supporting poles
#5: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) (1910.147)
Citations in 2025: 2,606 violations Average fine: $10,000+ Machinery startup during servicing causes some of the most severe construction injuries.
Why It’s Cited
- Equipment serviced without de-energizing (electrically, hydraulically, mechanically)
- No written LOTO program or procedures
- Missing padlocks or tags during maintenance
- Workers not trained on LOTO procedures
How to Prevent It
- Create a written LOTO program identifying all equipment requiring LOTO
- Before servicing any equipment:
- De-energize equipment (electrical disconnect, hydraulic pressure relief, etc.)
- Install lockouts (padlocks) and tags on every energy source
- Verify power is OFF (test switch or verify no pressure)
- Use only personal padlocks — never share locks; each worker locks/unlocks their own
- Train all maintenance workers on LOTO procedures before their first maintenance task
- Keep LOTO locks and tags readily available on site
- Document LOTO activities in a log
#6: Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
Citations in 2025: 2,450 violations Average fine: $8,500+ Workers exposed to dust, fumes, or chemicals need proper respiratory protection.
Most Common Violations
- Missing or improper respirators in hazardous atmospheres
- No fit-test on file for respirators
- Defective or expired respirators in use
- Workers not trained on respirator use
How to Prevent It
- Identify all respiratory hazards (silica dust, welding fumes, chemical vapors, etc.)
- Provide appropriate respirators (N95 for dust, cartridge respirators for chemicals/fumes)
- Conduct fit-tests annually for each worker (document on file)
- Train workers on:
- When respirators are required
- How to don/doff properly
- Maintenance and storage
- Fit-testing procedures
- Inspect and maintain respirators regularly; replace filters per manufacturer specs
- Replace damaged or expired equipment immediately
#7: Eye and Face Protection (1926.102, 1910.133)
Citations in 2025: 1,411+ violations Average fine: $3,000+ Construction involves flying debris, sparks, chemical splashes, and UV exposure. Proper eye protection prevents serious, permanent injuries.
Most Common Violations
- Workers without appropriate eye protection in hazardous areas
- Wrong type of eyewear for the hazard (regular glasses vs. impact-rated safety glasses)
- No eyewash station available for chemical exposure areas
How to Prevent It
- Assess all job tasks for eye hazards (grinding, cutting, welding, chemical work, etc.)
- Select appropriate PPE:
- Impact-rated safety glasses for flying debris
- Welding goggles/helmets for arc flash
- Chemical splash goggles for hazmat areas
- Ensure PPE fits properly (new OSHA rule effective Jan 2025)
- Maintain eyewash stations in areas with chemical splash hazards
- Train workers on PPE types and when each is required
#8: Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Citations in 2025: 1,743 violations Average fine: $5,000+ Unguarded machinery causes crushing, amputation, and death.
Most Common Violations
- Missing guards on rotating parts (shafts, spindles, gears)
- Defeated or removed guards to speed up work
- Guards that don’t prevent worker contact
- No lock-out/tag-out during maintenance
How to Prevent It
- Install guards on all moving/rotating parts: shafts, belts, gears, coupling, spindles
- Ensure guards prevent contact with moving parts and pinch points
- Never remove or defeat guards during operation (even to “speed things up”)
- Service machines using LOTO (lockout/tagout) to prevent unexpected startup
- Train operators on hazards and guard purposes
#9: Excavation and Trenching (1926.652)
Citations in 2025: 916+ violations Average fine: $7,500+ Trenching is one of the most deadly construction hazards. Cave-ins kill suddenly.
Most Common Violations
- No protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding)
- Unsafe access/egress (jumping in/out of trenches)
- Failure to identify soil type
- Water accumulation in trenches
- No competent person on site
How to Prevent It
- Designate a competent person trained in excavation hazards before work begins
- Identify soil type (competent person’s job) — determines protection method
- Implement protective system:
- Sloping (4:1 ratio for most soils)
- Shoring (wooden or aluminum frameworks)
- Shielding (trench boxes)
- Provide safe access/egress: Ladder, stairs, or ramps (every 25 feet; no jumping)
- Manage water: Pump standing water; monitor water table
- Inspect daily before work and after weather events
- Train workers on excavation hazards and procedures
#10: Powered Industrial Trucks / Forklifts (1910.178)
Citations in 2025: 2,093 violations Average fine: $4,500+ Forklift accidents kill or severely injure workers when operated by untrained or careless operators.
Most Common Violations
- Operating equipment without certification/training
- Defective equipment in use (damaged tires, leaks, brakes)
- Overloading beyond capacity
- Unsafe stacking (unstable loads, high stacks tipping)
- Pedestrians in hazardous areas near equipment
How to Prevent It
- Train and certify all operators before allowing operation; document training
- Conduct daily pre-use inspections: Brakes, tires, steering, lift mechanism, load backrest
- Remove defective equipment from service until repaired
- Post load capacity labels and enforce them strictly
- Maintain clear pedestrian walkways separate from equipment traffic
- Use spotters and audible alarms in tight work areas
- Train pedestrians to stay clear of equipment and move predictably
How OSHA Inspectors Identify Violations
Knowing what inspectors look for helps you prioritize prevention: Inspectors examine:
- Walking surfaces & housekeeping: Clutter, spills, debris, trip hazards
- Fall hazards: Unprotected edges, holes, surfaces above 6 feet
- Equipment guarding: Missing or defeated guards on machinery
- PPE use: Are workers wearing required safety gear?
- Electrical safety: Damaged cords, improper grounding, wet areas
- Chemical hazards: Labels, SDS availability, worker training
- Machine operations: Lockout/tagout compliance, operator training Timeline of an OSHA inspection:
- Inspector arrives; meets with site management (opening conference)
- Inspector does a walkthrough with site representatives and worker reps
- Inspector documents observations, takes photos/measurements
- Inspector addresses any immediate life/health hazards on the spot
- Inspector writes citations (usually 1-2 weeks later)
The Cost of OSHA Violations
Fines are significant:
- Serious violations: $10,000+ per violation
- Willful violations (knowing non-compliance): $20,000+ per violation
- Repeat violations: Fines double or triple Beyond fines:
- Project shutdowns (lost productivity, delay costs)
- Lost worker productivity due to injury
- Increased workers’ compensation insurance premiums
- Reputational damage (affects future bids)
- Legal liability if worker is seriously injured Real cost of one violation: Often $50,000-$200,000 when including fines + downtime + insurance impacts.
Prevention Checklist: Your OSHA Compliance Action Plan
Daily Checklist (Before Work Starts)
- [ ] Inspect all fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, anchors)
- [ ] Check ladders and scaffolding for damage
- [ ] Verify chemical labels and SDS availability
- [ ] Confirm machinery guards are in place and locked
- [ ] Clear walkways and work areas of debris/tripping hazards
Weekly Checklist
- [ ] Conduct site safety inspection (document findings)
- [ ] Review near-misses and accidents
- [ ] Check respiratory protection equipment fit-test status
- [ ] Verify LOTO compliance on all maintenance work
- [ ] Inspect excavation trenches and shoring
Monthly Checklist
- [ ] Review OSHA violations by category
- [ ] Conduct toolbox talks on top hazards
- [ ] Audit fall protection plans and rescue procedures
- [ ] Check hazard communication program updates
Before Every New Job
- [ ] Identify all fall hazards and protection methods
- [ ] List all chemicals on site; verify SDS available
- [ ] Confirm all equipment guarding initially inspected
- [ ] Brief supervisors and crew on specific hazards
- [ ] Establish pedestrian/equipment traffic routes