If you're searching for the “top OSHA violations in 2025”, you're likely trying to avoid costly fines, protect your workforce, or prepare for an upcoming safety audit. Good news, you're in the right place.
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S., and OSHA data from fiscal year 2024 reveals a clear pattern: three safety violations dominate the risk landscape, and they’re entirely preventable.
Whether you're based in Baton Rouge or anywhere in the Gulf South, here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of OSHA and keep your crews safe.
In 2024 alone, OSHA issued 6,307 citations for general fall protection violations, along with 2,050 additional citations for poor or missing fall protection training.
Why it happens:
* Missing guardrails or anchor points
* No safety harnesses or fall arrest systems
* Crews working at height with zero training
What you can do:
✅ Conduct daily fall protection checks
✅ Train all workers using a documented program
✅ Ensure guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems are always in place
Why it matters: Falls remain the leading cause of construction fatalities, and OSHA is heavily focused on enforcement.
The second most cited OSHA violation in 2024 was related to HazCom, with 2,888 violations issued.
Typical problems:
* Missing or inaccessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
* Unlabelled containers on job sites
* Employees are unaware of chemical risks
Fix it fast:
✅ Maintain up-to-date SDS for all materials
✅ Label every chemical, including adhesives, solvents, and cement dust
✅ Train crews to identify hazards and handle chemicals safely
Pro tip: Construction sites often overlook chemicals like paint or sealants. Make sure they're not slipping through the cracks in your safety plan.
2,573 ladder-related citations were issued last year, putting this simple but dangerous issue at #3.
Where companies slip:
* Using the wrong ladder height
* Setting ladders on unstable ground
* Overloading ladders or improper climbing practices
Your next steps:
✅ Inspect ladders before every use
✅ Ensure ladders are secured and on level surfaces
✅ Remove damaged ladders from service immediately
Ladders seem basic, but they're one of the top sources of preventable injuries on construction sites.
These three violations, fall protection, hazard communication, and ladder safety, accounted for nearly 11,800 citations in 2024, nearly half of OSHA's top 10 violations in construction. That’s a major red flag for safety-conscious companies.
If your company operates in construction, petrochemical, or industrial environments, these are priority areas to address immediately.
If you're looking to fix gaps in your OSHA compliance, pass Avetta or ISNetworld audits, or just want peace of mind, SafetyPro Resources offers:
* Tailored jobsite safety audits
* OSHA-compliant written programs and training
* On-demand support for fall protection, HazCom, and ladder safety
* Local expertise serving Baton Rouge and surrounding areas
We help you spot the red flags before OSHA does—saving you time, money, and risk.
Looking for the top OSHA violations of 2025 isn’t just about research—it’s about getting proactive. If you're searching this topic, you likely care about safety and compliance. Now it's time to take action.
Need help building a safer site or passing your next compliance review?