Strengthen Your Workplace by Reviewing the OSHA Top 10

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks across all industries. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspectors find in workplaces across the nation. It accounts for hazards that can lead to preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths.¹ 

OSHA Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards

By reviewing these frequently cited standards, organizations can identify and address gaps. This can help prevent injuries, illnesses, or costly violations. For the most recent fiscal year, the top 10 OSHA hazards are¹:

1.  Fall protection (general requirements)
2. Hazard communication
3. Ladders
4. Lockout/Tagout - Control of Hazardous Energy
5. Respiratory Protection
6. Fall Protection Training Requirements
7. Scaffolding
8. Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
9. Eye and face protection
10. Machine Guarding

Take Action

Each year, state and federal OSHA agencies conduct tens of thousands of inspections, assessing hundreds of millions of dollars in fines.2 Simply knowing the Top 10 list is not enough. Compare the current OSHA Top 10 list against your own operations and ask how you are addressing these topics. Consider implementing the following action items to help strengthen your safety culture:

• Conduct regular workplace assessments and audits to note high-risk areas and practices.
• Implement training and education for employees.
• Create a culture of safety and encourage open communication.
• Document and review risk management policies. Track safety training, inspections, incidents, and policy updates to align with OSHA standards.

Addressing the OSHA Top 10 is not just about compliance. Fostering a strong safety culture can help protect your most valuable assets. Connect with a Federated Insurance^® marketing representative to learn more and to access helpful OSHA Top 10 risk management resources.  

1. NSC. OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations Show Persistent Risks to Workers. 2025. https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/osha-top-10-safety-violations-show-persistent-risk?srsltid=AfmBOopiKuCztGsZSxjqyBlHyn19Z29jMpKyC1YBgopcfSTAeOUD6-A-. Accessed November 25, 2025.
2. OSHA. Frequently Cited OSHA Standards. 2025. https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/citedstandard.html. Accessed November 25, 2025.

Osha Top 10 Cited Standards PDF
Osha Top 10 Cited Standards JPG

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. Examples shown are for illustrative purposes only. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2023 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.