01/28/2026
Strengthen Your Workplace by Reviewing the OSHA Top 10
Source: Federated Insurance, January 16, 2026
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:
- Fall protection (general requirements)
- Hazard communication
- Ladders
- Lockout/Tagout - Control of Hazardous Energy
- Respiratory Protection
- Fall Protection Training Requirements
- Scaffolding
- Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
- Eye and face protection
- 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.
- 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.
- OSHA. Frequently Cited OSHA Standards. 2025. https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/citedstandard.html. Accessed November 25, 2025.
ASH Safety Consultants
American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc. (ASH) was founded to fill the growing need for professional Safety and Health Management Services for companies of all sizes. ASH has the capabilities to provide Total Safety Management, from working on a single problem area to evaluating, developing and administering an entire comprehensive safety and health program.
ASH works in partnership with Association members to provide the best services available. This includes providing complimentary on-site safety evaluations for members monthly, along with plant safety inspections. They help identify OSHA violations that could potentially cost hefty fines and assist members in the development, implementation and management of employee safety training programs.
Sign up via the link below for further information on how they can be an integral part of your company’s safe and healthy work environment.