1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501)
For the 13th consecutive year, fall protection tops OSHA's most violated standard list. Falls account for more construction fatalities than any other cause. Workers must be protected at heights of 6 feet or more through guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
2. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Improper ladder setup, positioning, and use are perennial violations. OSHA requires the right ladder for the job, proper angle positioning (4:1 ratio), and securing the ladder at the top.
3. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
Scaffolding violations include missing guardrails, overloaded platforms, and inadequate access. Scaffolding must support at least four times its maximum intended load.
4. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Employers must maintain a written hazard communication program, train workers on chemical hazards, and have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) readily accessible for all hazardous chemicals on site.
5. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
Dust, silica, and chemical fumes remain serious concerns. Employers must have a written respiratory protection program, conduct medical evaluations, and provide properly fitted respirators.