10 OSHA Violations in Construction for 2025 & How To Avoid

Every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or face legal proceedings because of the violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In 2025, with increased enforcement and stiffer fines (up to $165,514 per infraction), being familiar with the most frequent OSHA citations is more important than ever. 

The construction industry faces unprecedented levels of risk and pressure. Contractors and project managers face pressure because of labor shortages combined with shorter timelines and increasing material costs. A preventable safety fine, or worse, a jobsite injury, can derail a project’s momentum or result in long-term fiscal consequences. You’re either a small company overseeing residential construction or a large commercial firm watching over scores of projects, compliance with OSHA is not simply avoiding citations. It’s maintaining your business integrity, corporate reputation, and human assets. 

Overview of the Top 10 OSHA Violations in Construction

Construction workplaces contain multiple potential risks which makes understanding common OSHA violation areas essential to implement effective safety practices that protect both workers and your business.

The following sections will explore the top 10 OSHA violations that occur in construction. Common OSHA violations include fall protection, along with hazard communication, scaffolding standards, respiratory protection requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, ladders and stairways safety, electrical safety protocols, machine guarding precautions, PPE usage, and safety training and education methods.

Contractors, site supervisors, and project managers need to be ahead of the curve. Not only does this information save workers’ lives, but it also saves companies money as well as reputation damage. 

Top 10 OSHA Violations in Construction & How To Prevent

1. Fall Protection – General Provisions (29 CFR 1926.501) 

Violations: 6,244 citations in 2024 

Common Problems: Lack of guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems 

Real Example: Adrian Construction Group LLC was fined more than $1 million when one of their workers was injured as a result of unsafe fall protection. 

Prevention: Make regular site visits, supply adequate PPE, and see to it that every worker is fall protection trained. A fall protection plan should be enforced on every job done over six feet. 

2. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) 

Violations: 2,888 citations in 2024 

Common Problems: Incorrect labeling, lack of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and insufficient chemical hazard training. 

Prevention: Maintain SDSs up to date and readily available, label every hazardous material, and train staff to identify and safely handle them. Also, incorporate hazard communication into regular safety huddles to increase awareness. 

3. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) 

Violations: 2,573 citations in 2024 

Common problems: Damaged ladders, wrong-angle usage, and insecure positioning. 

Prevention: Train employees on ladder safety, inspect equipment daily, and comply with OSHA guidelines on ladders. Utilize ladder stabilizers and maintain three contact points when climbing stairs 

4. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451) 

Violations: 1,479 citations in 2024 

Common problems: Inadequate guardrails, incorrect support, or improper scaffold usage. 

Prevention: Train workers to set up scaffolds, inspect structures daily, and only have qualified personnel assemble scaffolds. Have scaffold tags available and updated to reflect safety checks. 

5. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) 

Violations: 1,934 citations in 2024 

Common Issues: Inadequate hazard evaluations, incorrect respirator fit, and absent written programs 

Prevention: Conduct exposure evaluations, have a written respiratory protection program, and perform annual fit tests. Provide regular refresher training and replace filters and respirators as necessary. 

6. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) 

Violations: 2,443 citations in 2024 

Real Example: CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC was penalized more than $550,000 following the amputation of an employee due to improper lockout/tagout procedures. 

Prevention: Train employees in energy control procedures, label energy sources correctly, and document compliance audits. Add regular inspections and monitored mock exercises. 

7. Protection of Eyes and Faces (29 CFR 1926.102) 

Violations: 1,934 citations in 2024 

Common Hazards: Failing to don personal protection equipment in the presence of airborne particles or chemical splashes. 

Prevention: Ensure the implementation of PPE, train on correct fit and maintenance, and replace used equipment on a regular basis. Enforce PPE policy in toolbox talks and place visual alerts on site. 

8. Head Protection (29 CFR 1926.100 

Violations: 804 citations in 2024 

Common Issues: Not wearing hard hats in dangerous zones.

Prevention: Mandate headgear on every active site and replace helmets as soon as possible when they are damaged. Use Type II hard hats when overhead impact danger is greater. 

10. Excavation Safety (29 CFR 1926.651) 

Violations: 916 citations in 2024

Real Life Example: A trench collapse in Vernon, CT resulted in the death of one worker and criminal charges brought against the company. 

Prevention: Utilize trench boxes or shoring, inspect excavations on every workday, and have a competent person present on site. Never let workers enter unguarded trenches over five feet deep. 

10. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503) 

Violations: 2,050 citations in 2024 

Common problems: Inadequate awareness of fall risks or PPE usage amongst workers. 

Prevention: Conduct in-depth training sessions, keep records of attendance, and redo training on regular intervals. Train according to job-related risks. 

The Actual Cost of OSHA Violations

In addition to the sensationalized fines, safety violation consequences include delaying projects, higher insurance premiums, and harming reputations. Contractors with poor safety reputations struggle to gain potential clients’ trust, while safe workers avoid employment at dangerous worksites. Operations get disrupted when violations trigger mandatory retraining sessions or disciplinary shutdowns. The existence of OSHA citations becomes publicly accessible information.

Your business may become ineligible for major and federal contracts if repeat offenses or deaths put you on a watchlist.

Essential Strategies for Avoiding OSHA Violations in 2025

Preventing 2025 OSHA violations requires proactive measures that prioritize safety and compliance standards. These are essential strategies that organizations need to implement:

• Regular Auditing and Inspections: Perform frequent audits and inspections to identify possible risks and verify compliance with OSHA rules. Keep the workplace safe by promptly correcting any problems that are identified.
• Employee Engagement: Incorporate your employees into safety initiatives by encouraging them to identify hazards and offer suggestions for betterment. When you give employees power they develop both a safety culture and take responsibility.
• Comprehensive Training Programs: Design extensive safety training programs that encompass all safety aspects and maintain ongoing training tailored to your specific worksite requirements. 
• Safety Culture: To build a safety culture in your company, establish worker well-being as a priority and make safety a foundational core value. Demonstrate your safety commitment throughout all operational areas by setting a positive example.

Implementing these methods enables you to prevent OSHA citations while protecting your employees and maintaining compliance and security in your workplace. 

The Role of Safety Audits and Inspections

Safety audits and inspections are important to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with OSHA requirements. Auditing on a regular basis can identify potential risks and determine the efficiency of your safety programs. 

Carrying out comprehensive inspections means checking your worksite, equipment, practices, and procedures as a whole. You look for areas which need improvement and then formulate plans of action to improve them. Engage your employees in the auditing process to obtain useful feedback and promote their active participation in safety efforts. 

By following audits and inspections as priorities, you can nip safety issues in the bud and avoid violating OSHA standards. 

Additional Tips for 2025 Compliance 

• Leverage digital safety tools: Utilize apps to track checklists, monitor training, and record inspections in real-time 
• Stay Current: Subscribe to OSHA newsletters and participate in local safety seminars. 
• Hire a Safety Consultant: A third-party expert can assess your site and reduce risks before OSHA does. 
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Integrate safety into your brand identity. Recognize safety leadership, post KPIs, and engage all stakeholders. 

By 2025, the message is one: compliance with OSHA is not a choice—yet it’s a competitive edge. As enforcement increases and public scrutiny of construction site safety intensifies, contractors need to have a culture of active compliance. 

By knowing these most common OSHA citations and applying the preventative methods described, your company becomes a safety and professional leader. Not only do you save lives and decrease liability, but you’re more likely to secure larger, more credible contracts as well.