OSHA’s 2025 violation numbers highlight visible progress in workplace safety while spotlighting stubborn risks that demand constant attention.
This year, OSHA reported a total of 23,537 citations across its top 10 most frequently violated standards. This count reflects a steady decline from 26,207 violations in 2024 and 28,912 in 2023.
The pattern shows that although workplaces are gradually improving safety practices, certain risks remain.
The same key categories dominate the list, underscoring ongoing challenges in maintaining safe work environments.
Here, we’ll give you a breakdown of this year’s top 10 OSHA violations, how you can better protect your workers, and the benefits of safety compliance in the workplace.
Related: Forewarned: The Six Types of OSHA Violations
Related: 5 Ways to Avoid Rising OSHA Fines
OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2025
OSHA Regional Administrator Eric Harbin revealed the agency’s preliminary Top 10 OSHA violations for fiscal year 2025, at the National Safety Council’s 2025 Safety Congress & Expo, held this month at the Colorado Convention Center – based on data as of August 12, 2025.
Fall protection remains the most frequently cited OSHA violation with 5,914 instances, primarily in roofing, construction, and similar trades. Hazard communication follows with 2,546 citations, again largely attributed to roofing and other high-risk sectors.
Ladder safety issues come third with 2,405 violations, highlighting the need for proper ladder use and maintenance. Lockout/tagout procedures resulted in 2,177 citations, while respiratory protection was cited 1,953 times—mostly because employers failed to provide the required medical evaluations for respirator use.
Scaffolding citations actually rose slightly by 32 compared to last year, pointing to continued hazards in framing, masonry, roofing, and siding operations.
Here are the top 10 OSHA violations in 2025 with their citation figures:
- Fall Protection – General Requirements: 5,914 violations
- Hazard Communication: 2,546 violations
- Ladders: 2,405 violations
- Lockout/Tagout: 2,177 violations
- Respiratory Protection: 1,953 violations
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 1,907 violations
- Scaffolding: 1,905 violations
- Powered Industrial Trucks: 1,826 violations
- Eye and Face Protection: 1,665 violations
- Machine Guarding: 1,239 violations
This list confirms the critical safety issues where workplaces need to focus their attention to reduce risks and stay compliant.
Related: OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of 2024
2024 vs. 2025 OSHA Violations – What’s Changed?
Looking at the year-over-year changes, most violation categories saw declines in 2025. Fall protection citations dropped by 393, hazard communication by 342, and ladder safety issues decreased by 168.
Respiratory protection violations fell by 517, signaling progress in this crucial area. However, scaffolding violations increased, revealing that some safety risks are stubbornly persistent.
This mixed result suggests that while many workplaces are getting better at compliance, there are areas where attention needs to sharpen.
Workplace Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection, which was #5 on the list this year, remains a top concern for OSHA in 2025; with nearly two thousand violations linked mainly to incomplete employee medical clearances and fit testing. Respirators are critical for protecting workers from harmful dust, fumes, and airborne hazards.
OSHA requires a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes medical evaluation, proper respirator selection, fit testing, training, and maintenance. Companies that rigorously follow these requirements reduce the risk of occupational lung diseases and avoid costly penalties.
See OSHA’s Infosheet- Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
The Benefits of Compliance
Staying compliant with OSHA standards benefits companies far beyond avoiding fines. Strong safety programs reduce workplace injuries, which means less downtime and lower costs from accidents. Safe work conditions improve employee morale and retention, fostering a culture where workers feel valued and protected.
These factors combine to support productivity and long-term business success. Compliance also helps companies maintain their reputations, which is essential in competitive industries that demand reliable and safe operations.
Key Takeaways
The OSHA violation data for 2025 tells a story of progress but also highlights persistent hazards. Fall protection, hazard communication, and respiratory safety remain key areas requiring careful oversight.
Companies that build strong safety programs and actively address these common risks create healthier environments and more resilient operations.
The decline in many categories shows that compliance efforts are paying off, but vigilance is necessary to tackle issues like scaffolding risks and respiratory protection gaps that still show up too often.
Stay In Compliance With Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct audiometric exams, OSHA and HIPAA compliant online respirator medical clearances, silica exam physicals, on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), pulmonary function tests, heavy metal lab work, and much more, right on your job site.
We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA and MSHA inspections.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
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