Risk Management Benefits of Reviewing the OSHA Top 10

Words: Patrick Cunningham

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspectors find in workplaces across the nation. It applies to all industries and accounts for hazards that may lead to preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

OSHA Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards
This list can help you identify and fix critical safety gaps. For the most recent fiscal year, the top 10 OSHA hazards are:

  1. Fall Protection (General Requirements)
  2. Hazard Communication
  3. Ladders
  4. Lockout/Tagout – Control of Hazardous Energy
  5. Respiratory Protection
  6. Fall Protection Training Requirements
  7. Scaffolding
  8. Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
  9. Eye and Face Protection
  10. Machine Guarding
Take Action
Each year, state and federal OSHA agencies conduct tens of thousands of inspections, assessing hundreds of millions of dollars in fines.2 Compare the OSHA Top 10 list against your own operations and ask how you are addressing these topics. Action items may include:

  • Conducting regular workplace assessments and audits to note high-risk areas and practices.
  • Implementing training and education for employees.
  • Creating a culture of safety and encouraging open communication.
  • Documenting and reviewing risk management policies to track safety training, inspections, incidents, and policy updates to align with OSHA standards.
Addressing the OSHA Top 10 is not just about compliance. It’s about fostering a strong safety culture to help protect your most valuable assets. Connect with a Federated Insurance® marketing representative to learn more and to access helpful OSHA Top 10 risk management resources.

___

  1. NSC. OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations Show Persistent Risks to Workers. 2025. https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/osha-top-10-safety-violations-show-persistent-risk?srsltid=AfmBOopiKuCztGsZSxjqyBlHyn19Z29jMpKyC1YBgopcfSTAeOUD6-A-. Accessed December 2, 2025.

  2. OSHA. Frequently Cited OSHA Standards. 2025. https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/citedstandard.html. Accessed December 2, 2025.


About: Safety Library
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More
A Legacy of Inspiration: Lynda Spina, CFO retires from STABILA North America
April 2026

After almost 30 years of dedicated service, Lynda Spina is retiring from her role as Chief Financial Officer of STABILA North America, closing an extraordinary chapter defined by steady leadership, financial discipline, and lasting impact.

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More
Masonry in the Media: The Alamo, The Merchandise Mart, & More
April 2026

The scenery of films and TV shows alike is often a crucial yet underrated detail that can ultimately make or break a scene. In these American-made structures, take a look at how these movies and shows transformed iconic masonry buildings into the perfect

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
Announcing The Daily Digest From The MCAA
April 2026

Pay attention to your inbox starting Wednesday, April 8th. The MCAA is pleased to announce The Daily Digest, a selection of masonry news from around the world delivered right to you. “I receive daily emails from several news sou

Dan Kamys
Industry News
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →