| John Bosman | 562 words
How to think through business insurance
Are you staying on top of workplace safety? Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of the standards it cites most often. These citations aren’t just about compliance, they highlight the real risks facing employees in industries like construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Understanding the top OSHA violations helps businesses improve workplace safety, avoid costly penalties, and build stronger risk management practices. It also plays a key role in how insurance companies assess your risk profile and determine your commercial insurance rates.
OSHA’s preliminary list for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026) is below, in OSHA’s order. OSHA may update the list when final data is available. Checked October 31, 2026.
See OSHA’s Top 10 most frequently cited standards
OSHA’s top 10 most cited standards (preliminary, FY 2026)
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
Falls are a serious hazard in construction. Employers must protect workers at heights, for example with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. - Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Employers must inform employees about hazardous chemicals through labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and training. - Lockout/Tagout – Control of Hazardous Energy (29 CFR 1910.147)
This standard protects workers from the release of hazardous energy during machine servicing or maintenance. - Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
Employers must provide properly constructed scaffolding that supports weight and protects workers from falls. - Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Improper ladder usage, including unstable placement, damaged ladders, or incorrect use, leads to serious injuries. - Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
Employers must provide fit-tested respirators, medical evaluations, and training when respirators are required. - Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
This standard covers forklifts and other industrial trucks. Employers must train and certify operators and ensure safe operation. - Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
Employers are required to train workers on how to properly use fall protection equipment. - Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
This standard requires employers to ensure workers wear proper PPE when exposed to eye or face hazards. - Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
Machines must be equipped with guards to protect workers from moving parts, blades, and other hazards.
OSHA’s maximum penalties that may be assessed after January 15, 2026 are $16,550 per serious or other-than-serious violation and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation. Source: OSHA Penalties. Checked October 31, 2026.
Why OSHA compliance matters to your insurance
OSHA violations put employees at risk, and a history of citations can also come up when insurers review your business.
- Insurers may consider your safety record, including OSHA citations, when they review your business.
- A history of violations can affect how an insurer views your risk, including pricing and terms.
- Safety improvements can help reduce workplace injuries.
A licensed agent can review your coverage with you and explain how your safety record may be considered.
Learn more about OSHA employer responsibilities
What business owners can do next
- Conduct routine safety audits using OSHA guidelines.
- Maintain detailed records of all training and certifications.
- Use proper signage and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Align your insurance coverage with your exposure risks.
- Review your OSHA 300 logs and address repeat violations.
At Reasons Insurance, we help business owners review their commercial insurance options. Reach out today; we look forward to hearing from you.
Download OSHA’s small business safety resources