OSHA has officially released its preliminary list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards following workplace inspections across all industries. This is one Top 10 list your organization definitely wants to avoid!
Published for the fiscal year running from October 1 through August 31, this list alerts employers to common hazards so they can proactively find and fix issues before an inspector arrives. Addressing these risks helps prevent preventable injuries, illnesses, and severe OSHA penalties.
Here are the top 10 most cited standards in 2026:
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
- Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
- Control of Hazardous Energy / Lockout-Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
- Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
- Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
- Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
- Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
- Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
- Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
As we often note, this list rarely changes dramatically from year to year because these foundational hazards exist across almost every facility and jobsite. However, every single one of these violations is preventable with proper planning, written programs, and regular employee training.
In upcoming newsletters and articles, we will dive deeper into each of these 10 standards—explaining what inspectors look for and how you can stay compliant.
How Is Your Safety Program Performing?
Don’t wait for an unexpected inspection to find the gaps in your programs. Contact our expert team today to schedule a comprehensive safety audit. We will help you identify strengths, resolve compliance gaps. We are also available to sit down with you and key leadership at your site to discuss specific OSHA requirements and best practices—ensuring your facility stays off this Top 10 list!