By Ted Dunnam, Dunnam Safety Management

Let’s talk safety. Not the flashy kind with blinking lights and high-vis vests (although those help), but the kind that gets real—where a solid culture of safety means someone’s family member comes home at night instead of to an emergency room.

OSHA—short for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—was founded on April 28, 1971, and they’ve been in our corner ever since. Their mission? To make sure you and your coworkers can do your jobs in safe environments across all industries in the U.S. Whether you’re swinging a hammer, operating a forklift, or mixing chemicals in a lab coat, OSHA’s got standards in place to protect you.

Now, here’s the thing: every year, OSHA publishes a list of the top 10 most cited safety violations. And every year, it’s kind of like déjà vu. The players are mostly the same; the rankings just do a little shuffle. That tells us two things: first, we still have work to do; and second, this list is an excellent tool for evaluating our own safety programs.

Accidents don’t just hurt people—they hit your wallet, your reputation, and your company culture. The ripple effects of a serious injury stretch far and wide: from disrupted families to lost productivity to fines that could’ve paid for new safety gear ten times over. So let’s get ahead of it.

Below is the list of OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations for Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024). Think of it as your “do-not-ignore” checklist:

THE LIST: OSHA’s Most Common Violations

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
   Still in the #1 spot. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and this standard says: if you’re working at heights, you need a proper fall protection system—no exceptions, no excuses.
2. Hazard Communication – General Industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
   Ever handled a chemical you couldn’t pronounce? This standard makes sure you know exactly what you’re dealing with—labels, Safety Data Sheets, and training are non-negotiable.
3. Lockout/Tagout – Control of Hazardous Energy (29 CFR 1910.147)
   Working on machines that can suddenly start up is a recipe for disaster. This one’s all about disabling equipment properly before servicing. You don’t want surprises when you’re elbow-deep in a repair.
4. Ladders – Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
   We love a ladder until it buckles under us. This citation keeps climbing the list because people keep forgetting that ladders need to be used and maintained correctly—at all times.
5. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
   If you’re breathing in dust, fumes, or vapors, you need the right respiratory protection—and the training to go with it. Your lungs aren’t replaceable.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks – Forklifts (29 CFR 1910.178)
   These bad boys are useful but dangerous. This standard focuses on certification, maintenance, and proper operation. No joyriding on forklifts, folks.
7. Fall Protection – Training (29 CFR 1926.503)
   It’s not just about having the gear—it’s about knowing how to use it. This violation reminds employers: you’ve got to teach people how to protect themselves from falls.
8. Scaffolding – Construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
   Building up? Make sure your scaffolding isn’t a death trap. OSHA wants it stable, safe, and fully equipped with guardrails and access points.
9. Eye and Face Protection – Construction (29 CFR 1926.102)
   Sparks, splashes, and debris don’t care how good your reflexes are. This one’s about having—and using—the right PPE for the job.
10. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
    Spinning parts, sharp blades, exposed gears—without proper guards, your tools can quickly become hazards. This standard keeps fingers and limbs where they belong.

Why This List Matters to You

This isn’t just a report card for big corporations—it’s a wake-up call for everyone. Whether you run a ten-person crew or a thousand-worker operation, safety starts with awareness. If any of these violations hit close to home, take it seriously. You don’t have to wait for an OSHA inspection to make a change.

Use this list like a mirror: What are we doing well? Where are we cutting corners? Do we have up-to-date training, working equipment, clear procedures?

Your safety program might look great on paper—but the real test is what happens day in and day out. Build a culture where speaking up about a hazard is just as normal as grabbing your morning coffee. Empower your team to look out for each other. After all, we’re in this together.

Because at the end of the day, the goal is simple: Everyone goes home in the same condition they arrived. Maybe even a little prouder, a little safer, and a lot more confident knowing their workplace has their back.

Stay safe out there.

About the Author: 

Ted Dunnam is the founder and owner of Dunnam Safety Management, bringing over 35 years of hands-on experience in the construction safety industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Ted has become a trusted advocate for workplace safety, with a particular passion for supporting small businesses. His mission is to help companies cultivate and sustain a proactive culture of safety that protects workers, enhances compliance, and improves overall jobsite performance. Ted’s leadership is grounded in practical expertise, a deep understanding of regulatory standards, and a personal commitment to empowering contractors and small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to operate safely and efficiently.