OSHA’s Top Violations for 2024
We count down the top 10 and take dedications (not really)
Ensuring workplace safety is an ongoing challenge, especially in fast-paced manufacturing, warehousing, and material handling operations. Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety violations, a snapshot of the most pressing hazards that can lead to injuries and serious fines.
While the list results don’t have many changes from year to year, it’s important to review annually. Comparing your safety processes and training to what’s included can help to create a more robust system that can save lives and protect what matters.
As we do every year, let’s take a deep dive into the top 10 and see what’s moving and shaking!
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
FY 2024 Violations: 1,541
FY 2023 Violations: 1,635
Despite holding steady at #10, Machine Guarding remains a critical focal point—particularly in manufacturing facilities with heavy machinery and distribution centers where automated equipment is prevalent. Improper or missing guards can expose workers to rotating parts, pinch points, sparks, and flying debris. Even a minor oversight on a conveyor system or robotics cell can result in catastrophic injury.
Read more: Machine guarding for maximum protection
9. Eye & Face Protection (1926.102)
FY 2024 Violations: 1,814
FY 2023 Violations: 2,064
While Eye & Face Protection dropped slightly in total citations, it underscores the persistent risks from flying particles, chemical splashes, and harmful light radiation. In both manufacturing and warehousing, tasks like cutting, grinding, or chemical handling present frequent eye hazards.
8. Scaffolding (1926.451)
FY 2024 Violations: 1,873
FY 2023 Violations: 2,835
Scaffolding citations decreased substantially from last year, yet it remains a mainstay in OSHA’s Top 10. In many warehousing and light-industrial settings, scaffolding is utilized for building maintenance, expansion projects, or multi-level picking systems. When not properly erected, inspected, and guarded, scaffolding poses serious fall and collapse hazards.
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,050
FY 2023 Violations: 2,109
Fall Protection – Training Requirements highlights the gap between providing safety equipment and ensuring workers know how to use it. Construction crews, facility maintenance teams, and warehouse associates who work at height need comprehensive, documented training on fall hazards and proper equipment usage.
Read more: Keeping workers safe at any height
6. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,248
FY 2023 Violations: 2,550
Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other motorized material handling equipment are central to warehousing and manufacturing, yet they pose significant collision, tip-over, and struck-by hazards. This standard remains near the middle of the Top 10.
5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,443
FY 2023 Violations: 2,539
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) ensures the control of hazardous energy during machinery maintenance or cleaning. Despite a slight dip in violations, it remains a frequent citation, often involving a lack of written procedures or insufficient employee training.
4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,470
FY 2023 Violations: 2,493
Respiratory Protection citations edged slightly downward but moved up in ranking because other violations decreased more sharply. Common issues include the lack of a written respiratory program, incomplete fit-testing, and missing medical evaluations—especially in operations with paint booths, welding, or chemical handling.
3. Ladders (1926.1053)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,573
FY 2023 Violations: 2,950
Ladders remain a top-three OSHA citation for construction and general industry. Warehouses see frequent use of portable ladders for rack access, light fixture maintenance, and overhead tasks, creating ample potential for misuse or faulty equipment.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
FY 2024 Violations: 2,888
FY 2023 Violations: 3,227
Consistently near the top, Hazard Communication (HazCom) centers on properly identifying chemicals, maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), labeling containers, and training employees. Although violations decreased slightly, it’s still the second-most cited standard.
1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)
FY 2024 Violations: 6,307
FY 2023 Violations: 7,188
For the 14th consecutive year, Fall Protection – General Requirements takes the #1 spot. While the total violations decreased from FY 2023, it still towers above the rest, reflecting both OSHA’s enforcement priority and the persistent challenges employers face in preventing fall hazards.
*Disclaimer: This post is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. For specific guidance tailored to your site, consult with a qualified safety professional or contact OSHA directly.
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Evan Fleishacker