As we move toward 2025, it’s critical for businesses to reflect on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations of 2024 and assess whether their safety programs are fully compliant. Failing to meet OSHA’s requirements doesn’t just mean fines—it puts employees at risk and can lead to costly downtime, production delays, and reputational damage. At Rubicon EHS, we help businesses navigate these challenges by strengthening workplace safety programs and ensuring compliance before OSHA inspectors arrive.

The Top OSHA Violations of 2024

Each year, OSHA releases its list of the most frequently cited violations across industries. While the official 2024 list may include familiar violations, the trends often highlight persistent hazards that continue to cause injuries and fatalities. Here are some of the top violations from previous years that are likely to remain on OSHA’s radar in 2025:

1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501) – Consistently the most cited violation, failure to provide adequate fall protection remains a leading cause of workplace fatalities.

2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) – Many businesses fail to properly label hazardous materials, maintain SDSs, and train employees on chemical hazards.

3. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) – Improper ladder use, damaged ladders, and failure to follow safe climbing practices contribute to serious injuries.

4. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) – Violations often involve failure to conduct medical evaluations, fit testing, and proper respirator selection.

5. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) – A key issue in manufacturing and energy sectors, improper control of hazardous energy leads to severe injuries and fatalities.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) – Forklift safety violations include inadequate operator training, lack of inspections, and improper use of equipment.

7. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) – Many injuries occur due to unguarded moving machine parts, resulting in amputations and severe injuries.

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (29 CFR 1910.132) – Employers frequently fail to assess PPE needs, provide proper equipment, or ensure its use.

9. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) – Common in construction and industrial settings, improper eye protection can lead to serious injuries.

10. Electrical Wiring Methods (29 CFR 1910.305) – Issues such as exposed wiring, improper grounding, and overloaded circuits pose significant hazards.

What These Violations Mean for Your Business in 2025

OSHA’s enforcement efforts continue to increase, and companies must stay ahead of compliance gaps to avoid costly penalties and workplace injuries. Some key takeaways for 2025:

• OSHA’s penalty amounts have increased—fines for willful and repeat violations can now exceed $156,000 per citation.

• Enforcement priorities are shifting—OSHA is emphasizing heat illness prevention, workplace violence, and expanded protections for temporary workers.

• Compliance audits are essential—Regular internal audits help identify hazards before OSHA does.

How to Strengthen Your Safety Program

At Rubicon EHS, we specialize in proactive safety strategies that keep your business compliant and your employees safe. Our services include:

✅ Safety Program Assessments – Identify compliance gaps before OSHA inspectors do.
✅ Training & Certification – Ensure employees understand fall protection, LOTO, hazard communication, and more.
✅ Mock OSHA Inspections – Test your readiness with real-world compliance evaluations.
✅ Custom EHS Programs – Develop tailored policies to meet OSHA and industry standards.

Are You Ready for 2025?

The best way to prepare for the year ahead is to take action now. Don’t wait for an OSHA inspection to find out where your safety program is lacking. Contact Rubicon EHS today to schedule a compliance review and ensure your workplace is prepared for 2025.

Let’s make 2025 the safest year yet! 🚧🔧👷‍♂️