Most Cited OSHA Standards

OSHA citation items, federal and State Plan, by year issued. Data through November 12, 2026.

About these filters

Part buttons are 29 CFR part numbers: 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, 1904 Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. Other codes are everything else, including the general duty clause (5A0001), other CFR parts, and codes State Plans record under their own numbering. Year and State are one choice: we hold no view of standards by state and year together, so the page never labels a state's all-years rows with a year.

Top 50 standards, 1987

Rank	Standard	Citations	Share of all citations	Inspections	Initial penalties	Current penalties
1	1910.1200Hazard CommunicationTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2025.	25,232	8.45%	9,711	$696,972	$509,298
2	1926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	11,149	3.73%	8,577	$979,501	$770,029
3	1926.500Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpartTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	9,072	3.04%	6,345	$2,071,369	$1,301,648
4	1910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission ApparatusTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	9,003	3.01%	4,774	$1,294,066	$798,494
5	1926.451Scaffolding - General RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	8,919	2.99%	4,993	$1,755,162	$1,321,525
6	1910.305Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general useTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	7,760	2.60%	4,849	$225,428	$159,083
7	1910.304Wiring design and protectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	7,122	2.38%	5,275	$839,688	$322,541
8	1910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	7,040	2.36%	5,362	$1,262,046	$881,834
9	1910.215Abrasive Wheel MachineryTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	6,879	2.30%	4,168	$220,485	$174,005
10	1926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	5,916	1.98%	4,565	$134,758	$100,827
11	1910.134Respiratory ProtectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,720	1.91%	2,605	$423,952	$252,748
12	1910.106	5,516	1.85%	3,132	$408,620	$185,716
13	1904.2	5,374	1.80%	5,186	$9,275,622	$2,165,029
14	1903.2Posting of Notices; Availability of the Act, Regulations and Applicable StandardsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,347	1.79%	5,340	$34,620	$26,785
15	1910.213Woodworking Machinery RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,347	1.79%	2,515	$561,956	$435,715
16	1910.303	5,272	1.76%	3,980	$639,083	$338,176
17	1910.157Portable Fire ExtinguishersTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,001	1.67%	3,490	$27,339	$19,256
18	1926.450Scaffolding - Scope, Application, and DefinitionsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	4,543	1.52%	3,321	$302,011	$229,557
19	1910.252General requirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	4,157	1.39%	2,796	$196,772	$135,414
20	1910.1025LeadTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2025.	4,104	1.37%	855	$1,189,736	$718,966
21	1910.107Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible MaterialsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	4,061	1.36%	1,646	$220,271	$157,030
22	1926.50Medical services and first aidTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	3,938	1.32%	3,271	$17,555	$10,501
23	1910.23LaddersRewritten effective January 17, 2017. Figures include the earlier text.	3,813	1.28%	2,914	$922,836	$314,694
24	1910.22	3,720	1.25%	3,187	$175,087	$125,343
25	1910.95Occupational Noise ExposureTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	3,667	1.23%	1,587	$285,415	$187,540
26	1910.37	3,363	1.13%	2,506	$388,425	$35,866
27	1926.150Fire Protection (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	3,276	1.10%	2,676	$33,852	$25,904
28	1926.100Head protectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	3,000	1.00%	2,985	$341,853	$264,786
29	1926.152	2,989	1.00%	2,500	$56,066	$40,086
30	1910.217Mechanical Power PressesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	2,854	0.96%	933	$741,070	$405,925
31	1910.178Powered Industrial TrucksTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	2,784	0.93%	2,070	$249,405	$169,364
32	1926.350Gas Welding and CuttingTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	2,719	0.91%	1,930	$84,045	$64,612
33	1910.151Medical Services and First AidTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	2,570	0.86%	2,472	$222,059	$182,453
34	1926.550	2,278	0.76%	1,257	$261,112	$191,419
35	1926.652Excavations - Protection of EmployeesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	2,268	0.76%	1,590	$1,571,710	$968,287
36	1926.602Material Handling EquipmentTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	2,182	0.73%	1,794	$150,074	$115,516
37	1926.28Personal Protective EquipmentTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	2,130	0.71%	2,102	$573,065	$443,278
38	1926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,984	0.66%	1,722	$161,016	$124,621
39	1926.25HousekeepingTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,979	0.66%	1,909	$69,270	$49,037
40	1910.20	1,955	0.65%	976	$31,400	$22,489
41	1926.21Safety Training and EducationTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,939	0.65%	1,912	$417,842	$293,878
42	1926.20General Safety and Health ProvisionsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,786	0.60%	1,611	$172,240	$120,566
43	1910.142Temporary Labor CampsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,713	0.57%	549	$13,690	$12,621
44	1910.132General requirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,642	0.55%	1,591	$611,472	$239,594
45	1926.651Excavations - Specific Excavation RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,599	0.54%	1,287	$674,983	$434,331
46	1910.141SanitationTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,569	0.53%	1,076	$114,247	$36,982
47	1910.179Overhead and Gantry CranesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,549	0.52%	719	$146,362	$91,580
48	1910.133Eye and Face ProtectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,493	0.50%	1,453	$215,153	$173,843
49	1910.242Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, GeneralTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,412	0.47%	1,352	$74,857	$54,189
50	1926.58	1,339	0.45%	352	$244,451	$126,909

CitationsInspectionsPenalties

Order: most citations first. Bars compare the rows shown. Tap a standard for all figures.

11910.1200Hazard CommunicationCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 202525,2328.45% of all9,711inspections$509,298current penalties

Citations: 25,232
Inspections: 9,711
Current penalties: $509,298
Initial penalties: $696,972
Share of all citations: 8.45%

1910.1200 standard page

21926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on11,1493.73% of all8,577inspections$770,029current penalties

Citations: 11,149
Inspections: 8,577
Current penalties: $770,029
Initial penalties: $979,501
Share of all citations: 3.73%

1926.404 standard page

31926.500Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpartCFR title checked from 1997 on9,0723.04% of all6,345inspections$1,301,648current penalties

Citations: 9,072
Inspections: 6,345
Current penalties: $1,301,648
Initial penalties: $2,071,369
Share of all citations: 3.04%

1926.500 standard page

41910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission ApparatusCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20029,0033.01% of all4,774inspections$798,494current penalties

Citations: 9,003
Inspections: 4,774
Current penalties: $798,494
Initial penalties: $1,294,066
Share of all citations: 3.01%

1910.219 standard page

51926.451Scaffolding - General RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on8,9192.99% of all4,993inspections$1,321,525current penalties

Citations: 8,919
Inspections: 4,993
Current penalties: $1,321,525
Initial penalties: $1,755,162
Share of all citations: 2.99%

1926.451 standard page

61910.305Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general useCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20027,7602.60% of all4,849inspections$159,083current penalties

Citations: 7,760
Inspections: 4,849
Current penalties: $159,083
Initial penalties: $225,428
Share of all citations: 2.60%

1910.305 standard page

71910.304Wiring design and protectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20027,1222.38% of all5,275inspections$322,541current penalties

Citations: 7,122
Inspections: 5,275
Current penalties: $322,541
Initial penalties: $839,688
Share of all citations: 2.38%

1910.304 standard page

81910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)CFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20027,0402.36% of all5,362inspections$881,834current penalties

Citations: 7,040
Inspections: 5,362
Current penalties: $881,834
Initial penalties: $1,262,046
Share of all citations: 2.36%

1910.212 standard page

91910.215Abrasive Wheel MachineryCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20026,8792.30% of all4,168inspections$174,005current penalties

Citations: 6,879
Inspections: 4,168
Current penalties: $174,005
Initial penalties: $220,485
Share of all citations: 2.30%

1910.215 standard page

101926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on5,9161.98% of all4,565inspections$100,827current penalties

Citations: 5,916
Inspections: 4,565
Current penalties: $100,827
Initial penalties: $134,758
Share of all citations: 1.98%

1926.405 standard page

111910.134Respiratory ProtectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,7201.91% of all2,605inspections$252,748current penalties

Citations: 5,720
Inspections: 2,605
Current penalties: $252,748
Initial penalties: $423,952
Share of all citations: 1.91%

1910.134 standard page

121910.1065,5161.85% of all3,132inspections$185,716current penalties

Citations: 5,516
Inspections: 3,132
Current penalties: $185,716
Initial penalties: $408,620
Share of all citations: 1.85%

1910.106 standard page

131904.25,3741.80% of all5,186inspections$2,165,029current penalties

Citations: 5,374
Inspections: 5,186
Current penalties: $2,165,029
Initial penalties: $9,275,622
Share of all citations: 1.80%

1904.2 standard page

141903.2Posting of Notices; Availability of the Act, Regulations and Applicable StandardsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,3471.79% of all5,340inspections$26,785current penalties

Citations: 5,347
Inspections: 5,340
Current penalties: $26,785
Initial penalties: $34,620
Share of all citations: 1.79%

1903.2 standard page

151910.213Woodworking Machinery RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,3471.79% of all2,515inspections$435,715current penalties

Citations: 5,347
Inspections: 2,515
Current penalties: $435,715
Initial penalties: $561,956
Share of all citations: 1.79%

1910.213 standard page

161910.3035,2721.76% of all3,980inspections$338,176current penalties

Citations: 5,272
Inspections: 3,980
Current penalties: $338,176
Initial penalties: $639,083
Share of all citations: 1.76%

1910.303 standard page

171910.157Portable Fire ExtinguishersCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,0011.67% of all3,490inspections$19,256current penalties

Citations: 5,001
Inspections: 3,490
Current penalties: $19,256
Initial penalties: $27,339
Share of all citations: 1.67%

1910.157 standard page

181926.450Scaffolding - Scope, Application, and DefinitionsCFR title checked from 1997 on4,5431.52% of all3,321inspections$229,557current penalties

Citations: 4,543
Inspections: 3,321
Current penalties: $229,557
Initial penalties: $302,011
Share of all citations: 1.52%

1926.450 standard page

191910.252General requirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20024,1571.39% of all2,796inspections$135,414current penalties

Citations: 4,157
Inspections: 2,796
Current penalties: $135,414
Initial penalties: $196,772
Share of all citations: 1.39%

1910.252 standard page

201910.1025LeadCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20254,1041.37% of all855inspections$718,966current penalties

Citations: 4,104
Inspections: 855
Current penalties: $718,966
Initial penalties: $1,189,736
Share of all citations: 1.37%

1910.1025 standard page

211910.107Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible MaterialsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20024,0611.36% of all1,646inspections$157,030current penalties

Citations: 4,061
Inspections: 1,646
Current penalties: $157,030
Initial penalties: $220,271
Share of all citations: 1.36%

1910.107 standard page

221926.50Medical services and first aidCFR title checked from 1997 on3,9381.32% of all3,271inspections$10,501current penalties

Citations: 3,938
Inspections: 3,271
Current penalties: $10,501
Initial penalties: $17,555
Share of all citations: 1.32%

1926.50 standard page

231910.23LaddersRewritten 2017; includes earlier text3,8131.28% of all2,914inspections$314,694current penalties

Citations: 3,813
Inspections: 2,914
Current penalties: $314,694
Initial penalties: $922,836
Share of all citations: 1.28%

1910.23 standard page

241910.223,7201.25% of all3,187inspections$125,343current penalties

Citations: 3,720
Inspections: 3,187
Current penalties: $125,343
Initial penalties: $175,087
Share of all citations: 1.25%

1910.22 standard page

251910.95Occupational Noise ExposureCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20023,6671.23% of all1,587inspections$187,540current penalties

Citations: 3,667
Inspections: 1,587
Current penalties: $187,540
Initial penalties: $285,415
Share of all citations: 1.23%

1910.95 standard page

261910.373,3631.13% of all2,506inspections$35,866current penalties

Citations: 3,363
Inspections: 2,506
Current penalties: $35,866
Initial penalties: $388,425
Share of all citations: 1.13%

1910.37 standard page

271926.150Fire Protection (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on3,2761.10% of all2,676inspections$25,904current penalties

Citations: 3,276
Inspections: 2,676
Current penalties: $25,904
Initial penalties: $33,852
Share of all citations: 1.10%

1926.150 standard page

281926.100Head protectionCFR title checked from 1997 on3,0001.00% of all2,985inspections$264,786current penalties

Citations: 3,000
Inspections: 2,985
Current penalties: $264,786
Initial penalties: $341,853
Share of all citations: 1.00%

1926.100 standard page

291926.1522,9891.00% of all2,500inspections$40,086current penalties

Citations: 2,989
Inspections: 2,500
Current penalties: $40,086
Initial penalties: $56,066
Share of all citations: 1.00%

1926.152 standard page

301910.217Mechanical Power PressesCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20022,8540.96% of all933inspections$405,925current penalties

Citations: 2,854
Inspections: 933
Current penalties: $405,925
Initial penalties: $741,070
Share of all citations: 0.96%

1910.217 standard page

311910.178Powered Industrial TrucksCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20022,7840.93% of all2,070inspections$169,364current penalties

Citations: 2,784
Inspections: 2,070
Current penalties: $169,364
Initial penalties: $249,405
Share of all citations: 0.93%

1910.178 standard page

321926.350Gas Welding and CuttingCFR title checked from 1997 on2,7190.91% of all1,930inspections$64,612current penalties

Citations: 2,719
Inspections: 1,930
Current penalties: $64,612
Initial penalties: $84,045
Share of all citations: 0.91%

1926.350 standard page

331910.151Medical Services and First AidCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20022,5700.86% of all2,472inspections$182,453current penalties

Citations: 2,570
Inspections: 2,472
Current penalties: $182,453
Initial penalties: $222,059
Share of all citations: 0.86%

1910.151 standard page

341926.5502,2780.76% of all1,257inspections$191,419current penalties

Citations: 2,278
Inspections: 1,257
Current penalties: $191,419
Initial penalties: $261,112
Share of all citations: 0.76%

1926.550 standard page

351926.652Excavations - Protection of EmployeesCFR title checked from 1997 on2,2680.76% of all1,590inspections$968,287current penalties

Citations: 2,268
Inspections: 1,590
Current penalties: $968,287
Initial penalties: $1,571,710
Share of all citations: 0.76%

1926.652 standard page

361926.602Material Handling EquipmentCFR title checked from 1997 on2,1820.73% of all1,794inspections$115,516current penalties

Citations: 2,182
Inspections: 1,794
Current penalties: $115,516
Initial penalties: $150,074
Share of all citations: 0.73%

1926.602 standard page

371926.28Personal Protective EquipmentCFR title checked from 1997 on2,1300.71% of all2,102inspections$443,278current penalties

Citations: 2,130
Inspections: 2,102
Current penalties: $443,278
Initial penalties: $573,065
Share of all citations: 0.71%

1926.28 standard page

381926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on1,9840.66% of all1,722inspections$124,621current penalties

Citations: 1,984
Inspections: 1,722
Current penalties: $124,621
Initial penalties: $161,016
Share of all citations: 0.66%

1926.403 standard page

391926.25HousekeepingCFR title checked from 1997 on1,9790.66% of all1,909inspections$49,037current penalties

Citations: 1,979
Inspections: 1,909
Current penalties: $49,037
Initial penalties: $69,270
Share of all citations: 0.66%

1926.25 standard page

401910.201,9550.65% of all976inspections$22,489current penalties

Citations: 1,955
Inspections: 976
Current penalties: $22,489
Initial penalties: $31,400
Share of all citations: 0.65%

1910.20 standard page

411926.21Safety Training and EducationCFR title checked from 1997 on1,9390.65% of all1,912inspections$293,878current penalties

Citations: 1,939
Inspections: 1,912
Current penalties: $293,878
Initial penalties: $417,842
Share of all citations: 0.65%

1926.21 standard page

421926.20General Safety and Health ProvisionsCFR title checked from 1997 on1,7860.60% of all1,611inspections$120,566current penalties

Citations: 1,786
Inspections: 1,611
Current penalties: $120,566
Initial penalties: $172,240
Share of all citations: 0.60%

1926.20 standard page

431910.142Temporary Labor CampsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,7130.57% of all549inspections$12,621current penalties

Citations: 1,713
Inspections: 549
Current penalties: $12,621
Initial penalties: $13,690
Share of all citations: 0.57%

1910.142 standard page

441910.132General requirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,6420.55% of all1,591inspections$239,594current penalties

Citations: 1,642
Inspections: 1,591
Current penalties: $239,594
Initial penalties: $611,472
Share of all citations: 0.55%

1910.132 standard page

451926.651Excavations - Specific Excavation RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on1,5990.54% of all1,287inspections$434,331current penalties

Citations: 1,599
Inspections: 1,287
Current penalties: $434,331
Initial penalties: $674,983
Share of all citations: 0.54%

1926.651 standard page

461910.141SanitationCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,5690.53% of all1,076inspections$36,982current penalties

Citations: 1,569
Inspections: 1,076
Current penalties: $36,982
Initial penalties: $114,247
Share of all citations: 0.53%

1910.141 standard page

471910.179Overhead and Gantry CranesCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,5490.52% of all719inspections$91,580current penalties

Citations: 1,549
Inspections: 719
Current penalties: $91,580
Initial penalties: $146,362
Share of all citations: 0.52%

1910.179 standard page

481910.133Eye and Face ProtectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,4930.50% of all1,453inspections$173,843current penalties

Citations: 1,493
Inspections: 1,453
Current penalties: $173,843
Initial penalties: $215,153
Share of all citations: 0.50%

1910.133 standard page

491910.242Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, GeneralCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,4120.47% of all1,352inspections$54,189current penalties

Citations: 1,412
Inspections: 1,352
Current penalties: $54,189
Initial penalties: $74,857
Share of all citations: 0.47%

1910.242 standard page

501926.581,3390.45% of all352inspections$126,909current penalties

Citations: 1,339
Inspections: 352
Current penalties: $126,909
Initial penalties: $244,451
Share of all citations: 0.45%

1926.58 standard page

All citations in this view: 298,712. Share is each standard's citations divided by that total.
Federal codes combine all their paragraphs, so 1910.1200 is one row. State Plan codes are listed exactly as recorded, with the OSHA citation code shown.
Inspections counts each inspection once per standard, however many paragraphs were cited.
Initial penalties are the amounts first assessed. Current penalties reflect later changes, such as settlements or contest outcomes.
Citations with no state on the inspection record are counted here, not in state views.
No title is shown where a single title could not be confirmed against the CFR editions in force across the code's citation years. An edition named as an exception is missing from govinfo's bulk data for that CFR volume, so it could not be checked.

Official resources

OSHA standards by number · Penalty amounts · File a complaint

Data Source and Methodology

DOL source data

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA enforcement database, accessed via the DOL public data API. Errors in data processing or establishment grouping are possible. Penalty amounts are the latest on record and may differ from the initial assessment or the final amount after informal conference, settlement or judicial review. Company pages group records by employer name, city and state as OSHA reported them, not by legal entity (methodology). Found an error? Report it. This product uses the DOL Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the DOL. For official and authoritative records, visit osha.gov.

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