OSHA Violations & OSHA Compliance Guide For 2026
November 25, 2025
🎉 November Sale
OSHA 10 Course: $48 OSHA 30 Course: $99
🎉 November Sale OSHA 10 Course: $48 OSHA 30 Course: $99
Understanding OSHA Violations has never been more important. Penalties keep rising, inspections move faster, and one ignored hazard can shut down an entire operation. A single missing guardrail, an unlocked machine, or a forgotten safety label can lead to serious injury, heavy fines, lawsuits, or even criminal charges. Businesses today live under greater public scrutiny because every OSHA citation becomes a permanent record online. Safety is no longer a checkbox. It is the difference between a stable company and one mistake away from disaster.
This guide gives you everything you need to stay ahead. It covers the full list of OSHA Violations, updated fines, reporting rules, inspection steps, training requirements, and the exact strategies top companies use to maintain OSHA Compliance. You’ll also learn from real examples, industry-specific risks, and modern digital tools that simplify workplace safety. If you want one clear, complete, and practical resource to protect your workforce and your business, this complete guide will teach you everything read on.
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is the federal agency responsible for creating and enforcing workplace safety and health rules. When companies follow OSHA Compliance, they reduce accidents, prevent injuries, and avoid costly OSHA violations. Read the OSHA Introduction Guide.
OSHA was created through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Workplace injuries and deaths were rising, and employees had little protection. The OSH Act gave OSHA the power to inspect workplaces, issue citations, and require companies to fix dangerous conditions. Its mission today remains the same: protect workers from harm.
Most U.S. employers must follow OSHA’s rules. Construction, manufacturing, warehouses, hospitals, farms, and retail businesses all fall under OSHA’s coverage. Any company with at least one employee usually must comply. Only a few groups like the self-employed and some government workers, are exempt. This is why OSHA Compliance matters for nearly every industry.
OSHA Violations happen when an employer fails to follow required safety and health rules. These rules exist to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths. When a workplace ignores a standard, whether it involves fall protection, machine safety, chemicals, or training, it becomes an OSHA violation. Some violations are small. Others can lead to severe harm or costly OSHA penalties.
Violations vs. Citations
A violation is the unsafe condition itself. A citation is OSHA’s official notice that the company broke a rule. Citations include fine amounts, deadlines for fixing hazards, and details of what went wrong. All citations become public records. Anyone can look them up, including customers, competitors, and future employees. This is why avoiding OSHA Violations protects not just safety, but also a company’s reputation.
Where Violations Come From
Violations usually appear after an OSHA inspection. Inspections may happen because a worker makes a complaint, a serious injury occurs, or OSHA targets a high-risk industry. Sometimes inspectors discover hazards during routine visits. Unsafe ladders, missing guards on machines, chemical mislabeling, poor training, and blocked exits are all common triggers. Any condition that threatens workers can quickly become an OSHA violation.
Examples of OSHA Violations
Violations show up in every type of workplace. On a construction site, a crew might work on a roof without guardrails, creating a fall hazard. In a manufacturing plant, a machine might run without proper lockout/tagout procedures, putting workers at risk of amputation. In a warehouse, forklifts may operate without trained drivers or clear traffic paths. These simple oversights can lead to injuries and immediate OSHA citations.
This OSHA Violations List helps inspectors determine the severity of the hazard, the employer’s level of responsibility, and the penalties that apply.
A serious violation exists when a job hazard can cause serious injury or death, and the employer knew or should have known about it. Missing fall protection, exposed wiring, or unsafe machinery are typical examples. These violations carry high fines, especially when multiple hazards are involved.
This violation involves hazards unlikely to cause severe injury but still affect worker safety or health. Examples include incomplete labels, minor record errors, or small communication issues. OSHA may lower the fine or issue a warning if the employer shows good-faith compliance.
Knowingly ignoring safety rules or showing clear disregard for worker protection is considered a willful OSHA violation under OSHA standards. This is the most severe type and can lead to large fines or criminal charges. It applies when a company understands a hazard but chooses not to correct it.
A repeated violation occurs when OSHA cites a company for the same or a very similar hazard within five years. These violations carry much higher penalties because OSHA expects employers to correct hazards permanently and not allow the same issues to return.
If OSHA gives a deadline to fix a hazard and the employer misses it, the violation becomes a failure to abate. OSHA fines increase daily until the problem is corrected. This can result in heavy financial penalties if delays continue.
A de minimis violation is a minor technical issue that poses no real risk to workers. OSHA does not issue fines for these. Inspectors simply document the issue and may offer a verbal suggestion to correct it.
OSHA fines change each year because they are adjusted for inflation. Below is the updated 2025 penalty table based on the latest published amounts.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA)
Type of Violation | Minimum Penalty | Maximum Penalty |
Serious | $1,221 | $16,550 |
Other-Than-Serious | $0 | $16,550 |
Willful | $11,823 | $165,514 |
Repeated | $11,823 | $165,514 |
Posting Requirements | $0 | $16,550 |
Failure to Abate | N/A | $16,550 per day |
These numbers show how quickly fines can grow, especially for repeated or uncorrected hazards.
OSHA also uses a gravity-based penalty system to decide how serious a violation is. A high-gravity violation carries the highest fines because it can lead to major injury or death. A moderate-gravity violation involves noticeable risk but not severe consequences. A low-gravity violation has the smallest fine because it poses a lower level of harm. This system helps OSHA assign fair penalties depending on how dangerous the hazard is.
OSHA releases its Top 10 list every year, and the same violations appear repeatedly, showing which hazards employers overlook most. Understanding these trends helps companies predict risks, fix weak areas, and avoid costly violations before inspections occur.
Source: OSHA’s official Top 10 list
Fall protection remains the number one OSHA violation because many workers still operate near edges, roofs, or open holes without proper safeguards. Missing guardrails, damaged harnesses, or no fall arrest systems create deadly risks. Companies can prevent these violations by installing guardrails, inspecting equipment daily, and guiding workers on Fall Protection to recognize hazards early.
Hazard communication violations usually involve poor chemical labeling, missing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or employees who don’t understand chemical risks. These problems appear in factories, warehouses, and maintenance shops. Prevention starts with a written hazard communication plan, updated SDS files, and clear training that explains every chemical used on-site
Ladder violations often happen because workers misuse equipment or use damaged ladders. The three most common mistakes are climbing with tools in hand, using ladders on uneven surfaces, and stepping on the top rung. Employers must inspect ladders, replace unsafe ones, and train workers on ladder safety.
Scaffolding hazards usually involve unstable structures, missing guardrails, or overloaded platforms. Construction sites face these problems often because workers rush or skip inspections, highlighting the need for workers to learn proper scaffold safety to prevent accidents. To stay compliant, companies must follow load ratings, use guardrails on all open sides, and have a qualified person check scaffolding before anyone climbs.
OSHA Forklift violations occur when operators lack proper training or when trucks are used in unsafe ways. Common issues include speeding, poor maintenance, and blocked visibility. Employers can prevent these violations by offering certified training, performing daily inspections, and enforcing clear traffic rules inside the facility.
Lockout/Tagout violations come from missing procedures for controlling hazardous energy. Many companies have written programs but fail to train workers or test equipment before servicing. Proper lockout devices, clear steps, and hands-on training reduce the risk of accidental machine start-ups and amputations.
Respiratory protection violations happen when employers give workers respirators without proper fit testing or medical evaluations. Some companies also fail to create a written program. Simple steps like fit testing, regular cleaning, and employee training help prevent exposure to harmful dust, fumes, and chemicals.
This violation happens when workers perform tasks at heights but never receive formal fall protection training. Missing records are also a major issue. Employers must teach workers how fall hazards occur, how equipment works, and how to respond when something seems unsafe.
Eye and face protection violations appear when workers weld, grind, or handle chemicals without proper PPE. Many injuries occur because employers do not enforce PPE rules or run out of the correct gear. Proper goggles, face shields, and hazard assessments help reduce these violations.
Machine guarding violations involve unprotected blades, rotating parts, or exposed belt systems. These hazards can cause serious injuries. Employers must install guards, inspect equipment frequently, and train workers to never bypass protection devices.
How Employees File Reports
Employees can report OSHA violations through OSHA’s online complaint form, the 1-800-321-OSHA hotline, or by visiting a local OSHA office.
How to report OSHA violations anonymously online?
Workers may also file complaints anonymously if they fear retaliation, and OSHA will still investigate the hazard.
OSHA asks for the employer’s name, the location of the hazard, and a clear description of what is happening. Details about injuries, unsafe conditions, or broken equipment help OSHA decide how fast to respond. Contact information is optional for those filing anonymously.
Employees often ask, “Can I get fired for complaining to OSHA?” The answer is no. Federal law protects workers from being fired, punished, or threatened for reporting unsafe conditions. Retaliation itself becomes a violation, and employers can face serious penalties if they attempt it.
Yes. OSHA enforces strong whistleblower protections that shield employees who report hazards, refuse dangerous tasks, or cooperate with inspections. If an employer retaliates, OSHA can investigate and help restore the worker’s job, pay, and benefits.
OSHA Compliance means following all safety and health rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is more than checking boxes. True compliance builds a full safety system that identifies hazards, trains workers, maintains equipment, and documents every safety action. When done well, it creates a workplace where injuries are far less likely to happen.
Strong OSHA Compliance lowers accident rates, reduces downtime, and improves morale because workers feel protected and valued. Fewer injuries also mean fewer insurance claims, lower premiums, and less money spent on medical costs. When safety improves, productivity rises because workers can focus on their jobs without fear of hazards.
Most companies depend on safety managers, supervisors, and HR professionals to oversee OSHA Compliance. Safety managers handle inspections, training, and hazard controls. HR teams maintain injury records, manage reporting deadlines, and ensure employees understand their rights. Together, they keep the workplace safe and in line with OSHA standards.
General Duty Clause
The General Duty Clause requires employers to remove any known hazard that could cause injury or death. Many common OSHA violations occur when companies ignore simple risks like unguarded machines, blocked walkways, or fall hazards.
Hazard Communication (HCP + SDS)
OSHA requires a written Hazard Communication Program, updated SDS sheets, and clear chemical labels. Workers must be trained to understand chemical dangers, which is why hazard communication remains one of the most frequent OSHA violations each year.
PPE Standards
Employers must provide proper PPE, ensure correct fit, and train workers on safe use. Problems with respiratory protection, such as missing fit tests or medical checks, are among the most cited OSHA violations in many industries.
Emergency Action & Fire Safety Plans
Every workplace needs written emergency and fire safety plans. These include exit routes, alarms, evacuation steps, and training drills. OSHA cites employers when exits are blocked or when plans are outdated.
OSHA Recordkeeping (Forms 300, 300A, 301)
Recordkeeping rules require employers to document injuries and illnesses on OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301. Missing or incorrect records are common OSHA violations and can lead to penalties during inspections.
State OSHA Plans
Some states run their own OSHA programs with stricter rules or additional training requirements. Employers often ask, “Is OSHA compliance mandatory everywhere?” it is, but state plans may require even more to stay compliant.
Understanding how to stay OSHA compliant begins with building a strong safety foundation. The following steps outline exactly what employers must do to prevent violations, protect workers, and comply with all OSHA requirements.
Step 1: Conduct Workplace Hazard Assessment
Start by identifying every hazard in the workplace, including physical risks like falls, chemical exposures, and biological threats. A comprehensive hazard assessment identifies where OSHA Violations are most likely to occur and what requires immediate improvement.
Step 2: Build a Hazard Communication Plan (HCP)
Create a written Hazard Communication Program that includes proper chemical labeling, updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and training for anyone who handles chemicals. This is essential because hazard communication remains one of OSHA’s most cited violations.
Step 3: Provide PPE & Train Employees
Offer the right PPE for each task and train workers on how to use, fit, and maintain it. Respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, and hard hats must meet OSHA standards, or they can lead to citations. Read What is PPE and How Does it Prevent Injuries?
Step 4: Improve Housekeeping & Spill Control
Clean spills quickly and remove clutter from walkways to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Proper housekeeping reduces common hazards and is one of the simplest ways to maintain OSHA Compliance.
Step 5: Install Proper Fire Safety Measures
Make sure fire exits are clear, marked, and equipped with working doors. Provide extinguishers and train workers on how to use them. OSHA inspections often cite blocked exits or missing fire equipment.
Step 6: Provide Emergency Action Plans
Create written emergency action plans with evacuation routes, alarms, and communication steps. Review the plan with employees and practice drills regularly so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Step 7: Do Regular Safety Training
Offer ongoing safety training that covers industry hazards, fall protection, ladders, machine guarding, and chemical safety. Regular training keeps workers informed and reduces the chance of OSHA Violations.
Step 8: Maintain OSHA Recordkeeping
Use Forms 300, 300A, and 301 to document all work-related injuries and illnesses. Post required summaries each year and keep records updated. Poor recordkeeping often leads to fines during inspections.
Step 9: Perform Internal Audits
Conduct routine safety audits to find hazards early and prevent repeat violations. Internal checks help identify training gaps, unsafe equipment, or missing documentation before OSHA sees them.
Step 10: Build a Safety Culture
Encourage employees to report hazards without fear. When workers feel safe speaking up, problems are fixed sooner, and accidents decline. A strong safety culture is the foundation of long-term OSHA Compliance.
1. Construction
Construction sites face constant risks from falls, unstable ladders, and dangerous trenching conditions. OSHA compliance focuses on strong fall protection, ladder inspections, and proper trench shielding so workers stay safe in fast-changing environments.
2. Healthcare
Healthcare workers deal with bloodborne pathogens, infectious materials, and rising workplace violence. OSHA requires strict PPE use, exposure control plans, and violence-prevention procedures to protect staff in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
3. Manufacturing
Manufacturing plants must control hazardous energy with strong lockout/tagout procedures, machine-guarding systems, and chemical safety programs. These steps reduce injuries around high-speed machines, conveyors, and industrial chemicals.
4. Agriculture
Agriculture has unique hazards like toxic dust, pesticides, and heavy machinery. OSHA compliance requires respiratory protection, safe equipment operation, and proper training to protect farm workers from severe injuries and long-term health risks.
If you receive OSHA violation penalties, you can contest the citation through an informal meeting or a formal appeal. Knowing how to contest a citation helps reduce fines and correct any mistakes by showing proof of fixes and good-faith efforts.
Digital safety tools help companies prevent OSHA violations by tracking hazards, scheduling inspections, and following an automated OSHA compliance checklist. These systems also simplify how to use software tools for OSHA violation Tracking and reporting, storing photos, notes, and records in one organized dashboard.
Construction and manufacturing teams use mobile apps to log hazards, update audits, and generate quick reports during inspections. Automated reminders, real-time alerts, and instant documentation reduce mistakes and help businesses stay compliant with less effort.
OSHA requires specific training for high-risk tasks such as fall protection, forklift operation, Lockout/Tagout, and respirator use. Workers must understand the hazards, know how to use equipment safely, and follow all procedures to prevent common OSHA violations linked to poor training.
If you’re looking for OSHA-approved online training that’s easy to access, flexible, and fully compliant with industry requirements, you can get started in minutes.
Get OSHA Courses provides trusted, OSHA-authorized programs for different industries, including:
All courses are available online, offered in multiple languages, and include official completion cards upon finishing the program. This makes it simple for teams to meet OSHA compliance requirements while reducing downtime and avoiding scheduling conflicts.
Strong programs focus on real-world hazards, hands-on practice, and clear explanations. Get OSHA Courses provides Fall protection refreshers, forklift certification, hazard communication training, and Lockout/Tagout programs in multiple languages that help reduce OSHA violations. The best programs keep workers engaged and help employers build a safer, more compliant workplace.
Get OSHA Courses offers trusted safety training, simple compliance tools, and expert guidance to help you stay OSHA-compliant all year. Start now to reduce risks, meet every requirement, and build a safer workplace today.
In January 2025, verified buyer Linda F. said the training helped her better understand workplace hazards and the importance of working safely. Her review shows how clearly Get OSHA Courses teaches real-world safety skills workers can use immediately.
Understanding OSHA violations and OSHA compliance gives businesses the power to prevent accidents, avoid heavy fines, and create a workplace where people feel protected. When companies master both, they reduce legal risks, boost productivity, and build a stronger safety culture that lasts.
Begin your compliance journey with Get OSHA Courses. Take time to audit your workplace, update your training plans, and review your full safety checklist.
What are the 4 types of OSHA violations?
People often mention four main types, but OSHA actually has six. The four commonly referenced types are Serious, Other-Than-Serious, Willful, and Repeated violations. These categories reflect the hazard level and the employer’s responsibility.
What are the top 3 OSHA-cited ladder violations?
The three most common ladder violations are using ladders on unstable surfaces, not ensuring the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the landing, and using damaged or defective ladders that should have been removed from service.
What are the 4 OSHA standards?
The core OSHA standards often referenced include General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture. Each industry has its own safety requirements based on common workplace hazards.
What are OSHA’s 3 most cited violations?
The three most cited OSHA violations are Fall Protection (1926.501), Hazard Communication (1910.1200), and Ladders (1926.1053). These violations have been at the top of OSHA’s list for years due to repeated safety failures.
What are the 5 keys of compliance?
The five keys include identifying hazards early, training employees properly, keeping accurate safety records, maintaining equipment and PPE, and creating a workplace culture where employees report hazards without fear.
How does OSHA gain compliance with safety requirements?
OSHA gains compliance through inspections, citations, fines, and follow-up evaluations. It also encourages training, provides free consultation programs, and requires employers to correct hazards by a set deadline.
Common OSHA violations in construction sites and how to prevent them
Construction sites often face violations such as missing fall protection, unsafe scaffolds, improper ladder use, and poor hazard communication. Prevention starts with worker training, daily inspections, secure fall systems, and clear labeling of chemical or equipment hazards.
How can I schedule an OSHA workplace safety audit through a service provider?
Most companies schedule audits through safety consultants or OSHA-authorized service providers. You contact them online or by phone, request an on-site assessment, and they send a certified expert to inspect hazards and review compliance.
Need a discount? Need a discount?