FY 2025 counts via HazComFast; not verified against OSHA's tool, which now shows only FY2026 data. Source: OSHA Frequently Cited Standards tool, NAICS 23, all establishment sizes, federal OSHA only, fiscal year 2025, as extracted Aug. 8, 2026 and published by HazComFast (FY2025 HazCom enforcement report). State-plan citations are not included. Counts are citations, not inspections or companies. * Rows marked with an asterisk are EHS Concepts counts or sums from the published figures.
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Fall protection, general requirements
- 6,772 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast), the most of any standard
- 6 ft the construction trigger height for fall protection
- No. 1 on OSHA's all-industry list too
Start here (eliminate): Build at ground level and lift into place. Design permanent guardrails or parapets into the drawings.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.501 [CON]
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Ladders
- 2,758 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- 3 ft side rails must extend above the landing (or use a grab device)
- No. 3 on OSHA's all-industry list
Start here (eliminate): Work from the floor with extension tools, or plan the work so it happens at ground level.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.1053 [CON]
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Fall protection training
- 2,171 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- Written certification of training is required
- No. 7 on OSHA's all-industry list
Start here (engineer): Choose passive systems that need less training to use correctly.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.503 [CON]
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Scaffolds
- 2,152 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- 10 ft guardrails or personal fall arrest required above this height
- Each shift competent-person inspection before work
Start here (eliminate): Use mast climbers or lifts where they fit the work.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.451 [CON]
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Eye and face protection
- 1,926 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- ANSI Z87.1 the consensus standard OSHA references
- No. 9 on OSHA's all-industry list
Start here (eliminate): Change the method: wet cutting, pre-cut materials, shields on tools.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.102 [CON]
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General safety and health provisions
- 866 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- Competent persons must make frequent and regular inspections
- Not in OSHA's all-industry Top 10
Start here (administrative): Weekly documented jobsite inspection by a named competent person, with owners and dates for findings.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.20 [CON]
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Head protection
- 852 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- ANSI Z89.1 the consensus standard OSHA references
- Proper fit required of all construction PPE under 1926.95(c)
Start here (eliminate): Schedule overhead work so no one is below.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.100 [CON]
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Abatement verification
- 805 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- 10 days to certify abatement after the abatement date
- Every cited employer is covered
Start here (administrative): Assign one owner for each citation with the abatement date in their calendar.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1903.19 [ALL]
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Hazard communication
- 698 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- No. 2 on OSHA's all-industry list
- Nov. 20, 2026 the next HazCom 2024 compliance date for some employers
Start here (eliminate / substitute): Choose less hazardous products at purchase.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1910.1200 [GI→CON]
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Fall protection systems criteria and practices
- 665 citations in construction, FY 2025 (via HazComFast)
- 200 lb top rail must withstand this force
- 5,000 lb anchor capacity per worker, unless designed by a qualified person
Start here (engineer): Manufactured guardrail and anchor systems.
Rules and guidance: 29 CFR 1926.502 [CON]
The full PDF adds, for each item, why it really happens, the rules or guidance in plain words, controls in order, a 30-minute self-audit, who owns it and a toolbox talk starter.