OSHA’s Top 10 Workplace Safety Violations for FY 2024: A Call to Action for Safer Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again released its Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Safety Standards, a much-anticipated list presented annually to highlight persistent safety concerns in workplaces across the United States. The announcement was made during the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the world’s largest gathering of safety professionals, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing workplace hazards.

For the 14th consecutive year, Fall Protection – General Requirements claimed the top spot on the list, a sobering reminder of the continued risks workers face from falls. This year's list also highlights familiar hazards, including violations related to ladders, hazardous materials communication, and respiratory protection. These recurring issues reflect the need for a renewed focus on workplace safety education, enforcement, and innovation.

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for FY 2024:

Here’s a closer look at the top workplace safety violations that OSHA cited in fiscal year 2024, along with the number of recorded violations:

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 6,307 violationsFall-related incidents remain the leading cause of death in construction. From unguarded edges to unsafe working heights, this category has held the top spot for over a decade.

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,888 violationsWorkers continue to face risks due to inadequate labeling, training, or safety data sheets for hazardous materials. Proper communication about these hazards can prevent exposure-related injuries and illnesses.

3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,573 violationsImproper use, damaged equipment, or a failure to follow safety standards for ladders can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, particularly in construction and maintenance roles.

4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,470 violationsEnsuring that respirators are properly fitted, used, and maintained is critical for workers exposed to hazardous airborne substances.

5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,443 violationsFailures to control hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing activities pose significant risks of injury or death.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,248 violationsForklifts and other industrial trucks are essential tools, but improper training or unsafe practices can lead to accidents and injuries.

7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 2,050 violationsProper training is a key component of preventing falls. This category highlights gaps in educating workers about fall hazards and safe practices.

8. Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,873 violationsStructural instability, improper assembly, and lack of fall protection continue to make scaffolding one of the most cited safety issues.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,814 violationsEye and face injuries are often preventable with the right protective equipment. Employers must ensure workers have access to and use proper gear.

10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,541 violationsUnprotected machinery poses severe risks, from cuts and amputations to other life-threatening injuries.

Persistent Challenges Require New Solutions

Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC), addressed the recurring themes in OSHA’s Top 10 list. “While incredible advancements are made in safety each year, we continue to see many of the same types of violations appear on OSHA’s Top 10 list,” Martin stated. She emphasized the need for collective action: “As a safety community, it’s critical we come together to acknowledge these persistent trends and identify solutions to better protect our workforces.”

The enduring presence of certain violations reveals systemic challenges in workplace safety. Despite advancements in training programs, protective equipment, and safety technology, the same hazards resurface year after year. This pattern suggests that compliance alone isn’t enough; a cultural shift is needed within organizations to prioritize proactive safety measures and continuous improvement.

A Call to Action

OSHA’s Top 10 list serves as a roadmap for organizations to focus their safety efforts and reduce workplace injuries. By addressing the root causes of these violations, employers can create safer environments where workers can thrive.

Safety professionals and employers are urged to use this list as a starting point to reevaluate their programs, educate their teams, and reinforce their commitment to workplace safety. Together, we can work toward a future where these recurring violations no longer dominate OSHA’s reports.

Let’s make 2024 the year we turn these lessons into action.