Each year, OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited standards shine a spotlight on the most persistent safety issues across all industries. The finalized list from 2024 should catch the eye of every construction professional.
The latest data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration highlights systemic safety challenges that continue to put workers at risk and create business liabilities. But beyond those citations lie opportunities: to prevent injuries, reinforce a culture of safety and protect the bottom line.
Several of OSHA’s top 10 violations in 2024 apply directly to construction professionals. Fall protection in particular has held the number one spot for 14 consecutive years, with more than 7,000 citations issued in 2024. More than 6,500 of those citations came from the construction industry. In a field where falls are the leading cause of fatalities, this trend is deeply concerning.
Other top citations are similarly rooted in routine jobsite activities, such as incorrect ladder usage, incomplete or outdated hazard communication programs, and missing eye protection. These issues reflect a broader challenge: Safety protocols might be written down, but they aren’t always enforced, understood or adapted to the realities of fast-paced construction work.
Reprinted courtesy of Taylor Thorn, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved.