Once again in 2025, fall protection topped the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s annual list of most-cited safety standards, continuing a 15 year trend of leading the agency’s violations. While the top 10 standards remained unchanged from the previous year, several shifted in ranking, according to the most recent data released by the worker safety agency.
Fuller Industries Inc., a longtime commercial cleaning manufacturer based in Great Bend, continues to focus on these issues through ongoing employee training, said Roger McPherson, the company’s environmental, health and safety manager.
“Workplace safety has to be proactive,” McPherson said. “These recurring violations nationwide show how important it is for companies to stay vigilant, update training and keep safety procedures front and center.”
Thousands of companies were cited for violations in 2025. OSHA officials say the consistency of the top hazards provides employers with a clear opportunity to strengthen their own safety programs.
Fuller Industries emphasizes ongoing training and safety reinforcement as key components of preventing workplace injuries, he said.
“Safety is not a one time effort,” he said. “It’s continual. These national numbers highlight why we renew our commitment every day.”
The agency’s top 10 most cited standards include:
1. Fall protection — 5,914 violations
Dangers exist for workers from falls, even at heights as low as four feet, he said. Proper fall protection systems - such as guardrails, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems – are selected, used and regularly inspected at Fuller he said.
2. Hazard communication — 2,546 violations
Businesses must maintain written programs detailing chemical hazards, labeling practices, safety data sheets and employee training procedures. As a manufacturer that uses a wide variety of chemicals in its products, McPherson said this is something taken very seriously at Fuller.
3. Ladders — 2,405 violations
OSHA rules require ladders to extend at least three feet above landing surfaces unless secured with grab rails or similar devices.
4. Lockout/tagout — 2,177 violations
Workers servicing or maintaining equipment must be protected from uncontrolled hazardous energy, she said. Fuller maintains documented procedures for shutting down, isolating and securing machinery.
5. Respiratory protection — 1,953 violations
Fuller provides medical evaluations and annual fit testing for workers who use respirators, he said.
6. Fall protection training requirements — 1,907 violations
Workers exposed to fall hazards must be trained to recognize them, with Fuller maintains written certification of training.
7. Scaffolding — 1,905 violations
Scaffolding must be properly designed, inspected and maintained. Depending on the type, guardrails or personal fall arrest systems may be required.
8. Powered industrial trucks — 1,826 violations
Forklifts and industrial trucks pose serious dangers to operators and others, so Fuller makes sure employees are trained and certified, with evaluations performed annually.
9. Eye and face protection — 1,665 violations
Employees must use appropriate PPE when exposed to flying debris, chemicals, molten metal, vapors or radiation.
10. Machine guarding — 1,239 violations
Machinery with pinch points, rotating parts or hazards such as sparks and debris must have proper guards in place.
