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144 Introduction to OSHA
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Most Frequently Cited Standards

Every year, OSHA publishes its "Top 10" most frequently cited violations list. Over the years, many of the same standards consistently appear near the top of this list.

The following is a list of the 2023 top 10 most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA for all industries. OSHA publishes the list to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths related to the hazards addressed in these standards. To see the most current list and related resources, visit OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards webpage.

  1. Fall Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
  2. Hazard Communication, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
  3. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
  4. Scaffolding, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
  5. Powered Industrial Trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
  6. Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
  7. Respiratory Protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
  8. Fall Protection Training, construction (29 CFR 1926.503)
  9. Eye and Face Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.102)
  10. Machinery and Machine Guarding, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212)

Fall Protection and Hazard Communication standards often rank at or near the top of OSHA's 'Top 10' list. Also, it makes good sense to ensure programs related to the Top 10 Standards are effectively developed and reviewed regularly for compliance. After all, the following statement is true:

"Violations OSHA sees the most, they cite the most."

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-4. What standard is most frequently violated and cited by OSHA?