OSHA's Top 10 Safety Violations for 2026
During the 2026 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations for 2026 were announced. The event provided a platform for experts from various industries to gain insights into the most common workplace safety concerns.
OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations
For the 16th consecutive year, Fall Protection – General Requirements remained OSHA’s #1 most cited standard, with 4,041 violations—a decrease from the previous year. Overall, the Top 10 remained largely unchanged, although several categories shifted in position.
Scaffolding saw the largest jump, rising three spots from No. 7 to No. 4, while Ladders and Fall Protection – Training Requirements each dropped two spots. Many of these violations remain especially prevalent in construction, with roofing contractors frequently cited for fall protection violations.
Top 10 Violations in 2026:
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements: 4,041 violations
2. Hazard Communication: 1,961
3. Lockout/Tagout: 1,863 ▲1
4. Scaffolding: 1,725 ▲3
5. Ladders: 1,659 ▼2
6. Respiratory Protection: 1,608 ▼1
7. Powered Industrial Trucks: 1,379 ▲1
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 1,273 ▼2
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection: 1,120
10. Machine Guarding: 1,072
Top 10 Rankings YoY
The graph below shows how the Top 10 rankings have shifted over the past several years, offering a broader look at which safety challenges continue to affect workplaces.
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Why Recognizing Safety Violations Matter
Understanding the most common workplace safety violations is an important step toward preventing injuries and strengthening your safety culture. Events like the 2026 NSC Safety Congress & Expo give safety professionals an opportunity to learn from industry experts, discuss emerging challenges, and explore solutions designed to address frequently cited OSHA violations.
Reduce Fall Hazards with Kattsafe Solutions
Kattsafe offers a comprehensive range of height access and fall protection solutions, including guardrails, lifelines, modular access systems, fixed ladders, and more. Our pre-engineered systems are designed to help reduce fall hazards, simplify compliance, and create safer access across rooftops and workplaces.
As requirements and industry best practices evolve, our team stays informed to help customers select the right solutions for their applications. By addressing hazards proactively, organizations can better protect their workers and reduce the risk of costly violations, project delays, and operational disruptions.
Ready to strengthen safety at your facility? Contact our team to learn more or request a quote today.