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, 2012

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.	13,155	6.10%	7,470	$6,787,248	$4,114,901
2	1926.501Fall Protection - Duty to Have Fall ProtectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	11,845	5.49%	11,016	$34,998,313	$23,970,669
3	1926.451Scaffolding - General RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	7,963	3.69%	3,593	$16,758,058	$11,236,633
4	1910.305Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general useTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	7,500	3.48%	4,866	$7,382,446	$4,176,091
5	1910.134Respiratory ProtectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	7,298	3.38%	3,621	$5,072,395	$3,037,513
6	1910.147The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,912	2.74%	3,546	$14,653,950	$9,135,584
7	1910.303	5,879	2.72%	4,284	$6,683,385	$4,165,588
8	1910.178Powered Industrial TrucksTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	5,214	2.42%	3,636	$8,261,622	$4,826,932
9	1926.1053Ladders (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	4,471	2.07%	3,524	$7,236,782	$4,896,091
10	1910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	4,411	2.04%	3,733	$14,631,100	$8,258,653
11	1910.132General requirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	3,580	1.66%	2,877	$4,760,436	$2,890,398
12	1910.1030Bloodborne PathogensTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2025.	3,532	1.64%	1,275	$3,533,666	$2,245,527
13	1910.157Portable Fire ExtinguishersTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	3,466	1.61%	2,545	$1,786,524	$1,029,195
14	1926.503Fall Protection - Training RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	3,264	1.51%	3,009	$3,581,801	$2,255,329
15	1910.37	2,722	1.26%	2,110	$2,191,868	$1,222,222
16	1910.215Abrasive Wheel MachineryTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	2,641	1.22%	1,631	$2,523,443	$1,516,032
17	1910.23LaddersRewritten effective January 17, 2017. Figures include the earlier text.	2,613	1.21%	2,139	$5,774,745	$3,628,434
18	1910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission ApparatusTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	2,322	1.08%	1,366	$3,988,195	$2,386,103
19	1910.22	2,233	1.03%	2,020	$2,763,894	$1,623,611
20	1926.20General Safety and Health ProvisionsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,831	0.85%	1,535	$2,806,153	$1,898,339
21	1926.100Head protectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,782	0.83%	1,781	$2,917,915	$1,977,755
22	1926.1101AsbestosTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,770	0.82%	437	$2,647,434	$1,331,944
23	1926.102Eye and face protectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,664	0.77%	1,652	$2,833,649	$1,965,023
24	1926.651Excavations - Specific Excavation RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,651	0.77%	1,035	$4,321,582	$2,618,448
25	1926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,641	0.76%	1,324	$1,438,912	$912,813
26	1910.304Wiring design and protectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,622	0.75%	1,430	$1,718,602	$1,013,175
27	1910.146Permit-Required Confined SpacesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,617	0.75%	724	$2,770,058	$1,724,300
28	1926.502Fall Protection Systems Criteria and PracticesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,578	0.73%	1,109	$2,345,862	$1,498,939
29	1910.151Medical Services and First AidTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,522	0.71%	1,490	$2,661,178	$1,576,708
30	1904.29FormsTitle checked against CFR editions from 2001 on, except 2002.	1,463	0.68%	959	$607,753	$355,674
31	1926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,453	0.67%	1,263	$1,685,138	$1,116,689
32	1926.453Aerial LiftsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,440	0.67%	1,290	$3,358,260	$2,271,846
33	1910.95Occupational Noise ExposureTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,343	0.62%	720	$2,651,877	$1,543,391
34	1926.652Excavations - Protection of EmployeesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	1,316	0.61%	1,211	$5,830,963	$3,439,836
35	1910.106	1,235	0.57%	857	$1,492,916	$968,614
36	5A0001General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)	1,235	0.57%	1,134	$5,880,596	$3,889,367
37	1910.119Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous ChemicalsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,209	0.56%	227	$5,171,804	$3,482,900
38	1910.107Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible MaterialsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,099	0.51%	504	$1,323,079	$785,715
39	1926.454	1,062	0.49%	938	$1,142,369	$685,414
40	1910.213Woodworking Machinery RequirementsTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,047	0.49%	620	$1,522,667	$930,244
41	1910.253Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and CuttingTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	1,000	0.46%	792	$1,309,144	$790,316
42	3203Injury and Illness Prevention ProgramOSHA citation code: 3203 A	969	0.45%	969	$724,965	$452,885
43	1926.62LeadTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	945	0.44%	206	$1,090,853	$656,724
44	1910.242Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, GeneralTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	890	0.41%	876	$1,351,470	$802,618
45	1910.141SanitationTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	856	0.40%	655	$614,868	$359,831
46	1910.179Overhead and Gantry CranesTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	842	0.39%	453	$1,397,305	$856,808
47	1910.133Eye and Face ProtectionTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	838	0.39%	822	$1,310,367	$733,477
48	1910.334Electrical - Use of EquipmentTitle checked against CFR editions from 1997 on, except 2002.	837	0.39%	760	$602,181	$373,243
49	1926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)Title checked against CFR editions from 1997 on.	835	0.39%	745	$1,131,478	$739,601
50	1904.32Annual SummaryTitle checked against CFR editions from 2001 on, except 2002.	795	0.37%	591	$327,876	$184,229

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 202513,1556.10% of all7,470inspections$4,114,901current penalties

Citations: 13,155
Inspections: 7,470
Current penalties: $4,114,901
Initial penalties: $6,787,248
Share of all citations: 6.10%

1910.1200 standard page

21926.501Fall Protection - Duty to Have Fall ProtectionCFR title checked from 1997 on11,8455.49% of all11,016inspections$23,970,669current penalties

Citations: 11,845
Inspections: 11,016
Current penalties: $23,970,669
Initial penalties: $34,998,313
Share of all citations: 5.49%

1926.501 standard page

31926.451Scaffolding - General RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on7,9633.69% of all3,593inspections$11,236,633current penalties

Citations: 7,963
Inspections: 3,593
Current penalties: $11,236,633
Initial penalties: $16,758,058
Share of all citations: 3.69%

1926.451 standard page

41910.305Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general useCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20027,5003.48% of all4,866inspections$4,176,091current penalties

Citations: 7,500
Inspections: 4,866
Current penalties: $4,176,091
Initial penalties: $7,382,446
Share of all citations: 3.48%

1910.305 standard page

51910.134Respiratory ProtectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20027,2983.38% of all3,621inspections$3,037,513current penalties

Citations: 7,298
Inspections: 3,621
Current penalties: $3,037,513
Initial penalties: $5,072,395
Share of all citations: 3.38%

1910.134 standard page

61910.147The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)CFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,9122.74% of all3,546inspections$9,135,584current penalties

Citations: 5,912
Inspections: 3,546
Current penalties: $9,135,584
Initial penalties: $14,653,950
Share of all citations: 2.74%

1910.147 standard page

71910.3035,8792.72% of all4,284inspections$4,165,588current penalties

Citations: 5,879
Inspections: 4,284
Current penalties: $4,165,588
Initial penalties: $6,683,385
Share of all citations: 2.72%

1910.303 standard page

81910.178Powered Industrial TrucksCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20025,2142.42% of all3,636inspections$4,826,932current penalties

Citations: 5,214
Inspections: 3,636
Current penalties: $4,826,932
Initial penalties: $8,261,622
Share of all citations: 2.42%

1910.178 standard page

91926.1053Ladders (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on4,4712.07% of all3,524inspections$4,896,091current penalties

Citations: 4,471
Inspections: 3,524
Current penalties: $4,896,091
Initial penalties: $7,236,782
Share of all citations: 2.07%

1926.1053 standard page

101910.212General Requirements for All Machines (Machine Guarding)CFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20024,4112.04% of all3,733inspections$8,258,653current penalties

Citations: 4,411
Inspections: 3,733
Current penalties: $8,258,653
Initial penalties: $14,631,100
Share of all citations: 2.04%

1910.212 standard page

111910.132General requirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20023,5801.66% of all2,877inspections$2,890,398current penalties

Citations: 3,580
Inspections: 2,877
Current penalties: $2,890,398
Initial penalties: $4,760,436
Share of all citations: 1.66%

1910.132 standard page

121910.1030Bloodborne PathogensCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20253,5321.64% of all1,275inspections$2,245,527current penalties

Citations: 3,532
Inspections: 1,275
Current penalties: $2,245,527
Initial penalties: $3,533,666
Share of all citations: 1.64%

1910.1030 standard page

131910.157Portable Fire ExtinguishersCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20023,4661.61% of all2,545inspections$1,029,195current penalties

Citations: 3,466
Inspections: 2,545
Current penalties: $1,029,195
Initial penalties: $1,786,524
Share of all citations: 1.61%

1910.157 standard page

141926.503Fall Protection - Training RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on3,2641.51% of all3,009inspections$2,255,329current penalties

Citations: 3,264
Inspections: 3,009
Current penalties: $2,255,329
Initial penalties: $3,581,801
Share of all citations: 1.51%

1926.503 standard page

151910.372,7221.26% of all2,110inspections$1,222,222current penalties

Citations: 2,722
Inspections: 2,110
Current penalties: $1,222,222
Initial penalties: $2,191,868
Share of all citations: 1.26%

1910.37 standard page

161910.215Abrasive Wheel MachineryCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20022,6411.22% of all1,631inspections$1,516,032current penalties

Citations: 2,641
Inspections: 1,631
Current penalties: $1,516,032
Initial penalties: $2,523,443
Share of all citations: 1.22%

1910.215 standard page

171910.23LaddersRewritten 2017; includes earlier text2,6131.21% of all2,139inspections$3,628,434current penalties

Citations: 2,613
Inspections: 2,139
Current penalties: $3,628,434
Initial penalties: $5,774,745
Share of all citations: 1.21%

1910.23 standard page

181910.219Mechanical Power-Transmission ApparatusCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20022,3221.08% of all1,366inspections$2,386,103current penalties

Citations: 2,322
Inspections: 1,366
Current penalties: $2,386,103
Initial penalties: $3,988,195
Share of all citations: 1.08%

1910.219 standard page

191910.222,2331.03% of all2,020inspections$1,623,611current penalties

Citations: 2,233
Inspections: 2,020
Current penalties: $1,623,611
Initial penalties: $2,763,894
Share of all citations: 1.03%

1910.22 standard page

201926.20General Safety and Health ProvisionsCFR title checked from 1997 on1,8310.85% of all1,535inspections$1,898,339current penalties

Citations: 1,831
Inspections: 1,535
Current penalties: $1,898,339
Initial penalties: $2,806,153
Share of all citations: 0.85%

1926.20 standard page

211926.100Head protectionCFR title checked from 1997 on1,7820.83% of all1,781inspections$1,977,755current penalties

Citations: 1,782
Inspections: 1,781
Current penalties: $1,977,755
Initial penalties: $2,917,915
Share of all citations: 0.83%

1926.100 standard page

221926.1101AsbestosCFR title checked from 1997 on1,7700.82% of all437inspections$1,331,944current penalties

Citations: 1,770
Inspections: 437
Current penalties: $1,331,944
Initial penalties: $2,647,434
Share of all citations: 0.82%

1926.1101 standard page

231926.102Eye and face protectionCFR title checked from 1997 on1,6640.77% of all1,652inspections$1,965,023current penalties

Citations: 1,664
Inspections: 1,652
Current penalties: $1,965,023
Initial penalties: $2,833,649
Share of all citations: 0.77%

1926.102 standard page

241926.651Excavations - Specific Excavation RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on1,6510.77% of all1,035inspections$2,618,448current penalties

Citations: 1,651
Inspections: 1,035
Current penalties: $2,618,448
Initial penalties: $4,321,582
Share of all citations: 0.77%

1926.651 standard page

251926.405Electrical - Wiring Methods (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on1,6410.76% of all1,324inspections$912,813current penalties

Citations: 1,641
Inspections: 1,324
Current penalties: $912,813
Initial penalties: $1,438,912
Share of all citations: 0.76%

1926.405 standard page

261910.304Wiring design and protectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,6220.75% of all1,430inspections$1,013,175current penalties

Citations: 1,622
Inspections: 1,430
Current penalties: $1,013,175
Initial penalties: $1,718,602
Share of all citations: 0.75%

1910.304 standard page

271910.146Permit-Required Confined SpacesCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,6170.75% of all724inspections$1,724,300current penalties

Citations: 1,617
Inspections: 724
Current penalties: $1,724,300
Initial penalties: $2,770,058
Share of all citations: 0.75%

1910.146 standard page

281926.502Fall Protection Systems Criteria and PracticesCFR title checked from 1997 on1,5780.73% of all1,109inspections$1,498,939current penalties

Citations: 1,578
Inspections: 1,109
Current penalties: $1,498,939
Initial penalties: $2,345,862
Share of all citations: 0.73%

1926.502 standard page

291910.151Medical Services and First AidCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,5220.71% of all1,490inspections$1,576,708current penalties

Citations: 1,522
Inspections: 1,490
Current penalties: $1,576,708
Initial penalties: $2,661,178
Share of all citations: 0.71%

1910.151 standard page

301904.29FormsCFR title checked from 2001 on, except 20021,4630.68% of all959inspections$355,674current penalties

Citations: 1,463
Inspections: 959
Current penalties: $355,674
Initial penalties: $607,753
Share of all citations: 0.68%

1904.29 standard page

311926.404Electrical - Wiring Design and Protection (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on1,4530.67% of all1,263inspections$1,116,689current penalties

Citations: 1,453
Inspections: 1,263
Current penalties: $1,116,689
Initial penalties: $1,685,138
Share of all citations: 0.67%

1926.404 standard page

321926.453Aerial LiftsCFR title checked from 1997 on1,4400.67% of all1,290inspections$2,271,846current penalties

Citations: 1,440
Inspections: 1,290
Current penalties: $2,271,846
Initial penalties: $3,358,260
Share of all citations: 0.67%

1926.453 standard page

331910.95Occupational Noise ExposureCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,3430.62% of all720inspections$1,543,391current penalties

Citations: 1,343
Inspections: 720
Current penalties: $1,543,391
Initial penalties: $2,651,877
Share of all citations: 0.62%

1910.95 standard page

341926.652Excavations - Protection of EmployeesCFR title checked from 1997 on1,3160.61% of all1,211inspections$3,439,836current penalties

Citations: 1,316
Inspections: 1,211
Current penalties: $3,439,836
Initial penalties: $5,830,963
Share of all citations: 0.61%

1926.652 standard page

351910.1061,2350.57% of all857inspections$968,614current penalties

Citations: 1,235
Inspections: 857
Current penalties: $968,614
Initial penalties: $1,492,916
Share of all citations: 0.57%

1910.106 standard page

365A0001General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)1,2350.57% of all1,134inspections$3,889,367current penalties

Citations: 1,235
Inspections: 1,134
Current penalties: $3,889,367
Initial penalties: $5,880,596
Share of all citations: 0.57%

371910.119Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous ChemicalsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,2090.56% of all227inspections$3,482,900current penalties

Citations: 1,209
Inspections: 227
Current penalties: $3,482,900
Initial penalties: $5,171,804
Share of all citations: 0.56%

1910.119 standard page

381910.107Spray Finishing Using Flammable and Combustible MaterialsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,0990.51% of all504inspections$785,715current penalties

Citations: 1,099
Inspections: 504
Current penalties: $785,715
Initial penalties: $1,323,079
Share of all citations: 0.51%

1910.107 standard page

391926.4541,0620.49% of all938inspections$685,414current penalties

Citations: 1,062
Inspections: 938
Current penalties: $685,414
Initial penalties: $1,142,369
Share of all citations: 0.49%

1926.454 standard page

401910.213Woodworking Machinery RequirementsCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,0470.49% of all620inspections$930,244current penalties

Citations: 1,047
Inspections: 620
Current penalties: $930,244
Initial penalties: $1,522,667
Share of all citations: 0.49%

1910.213 standard page

411910.253Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and CuttingCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20021,0000.46% of all792inspections$790,316current penalties

Citations: 1,000
Inspections: 792
Current penalties: $790,316
Initial penalties: $1,309,144
Share of all citations: 0.46%

1910.253 standard page

423203Injury and Illness Prevention ProgramOSHA citation code: 3203 A9690.45% of all969inspections$452,885current penalties

Citations: 969
Inspections: 969
Current penalties: $452,885
Initial penalties: $724,965
Share of all citations: 0.45%

431926.62LeadCFR title checked from 1997 on9450.44% of all206inspections$656,724current penalties

Citations: 945
Inspections: 206
Current penalties: $656,724
Initial penalties: $1,090,853
Share of all citations: 0.44%

1926.62 standard page

441910.242Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, GeneralCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20028900.41% of all876inspections$802,618current penalties

Citations: 890
Inspections: 876
Current penalties: $802,618
Initial penalties: $1,351,470
Share of all citations: 0.41%

1910.242 standard page

451910.141SanitationCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20028560.40% of all655inspections$359,831current penalties

Citations: 856
Inspections: 655
Current penalties: $359,831
Initial penalties: $614,868
Share of all citations: 0.40%

1910.141 standard page

461910.179Overhead and Gantry CranesCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20028420.39% of all453inspections$856,808current penalties

Citations: 842
Inspections: 453
Current penalties: $856,808
Initial penalties: $1,397,305
Share of all citations: 0.39%

1910.179 standard page

471910.133Eye and Face ProtectionCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20028380.39% of all822inspections$733,477current penalties

Citations: 838
Inspections: 822
Current penalties: $733,477
Initial penalties: $1,310,367
Share of all citations: 0.39%

1910.133 standard page

481910.334Electrical - Use of EquipmentCFR title checked from 1997 on, except 20028370.39% of all760inspections$373,243current penalties

Citations: 837
Inspections: 760
Current penalties: $373,243
Initial penalties: $602,181
Share of all citations: 0.39%

1910.334 standard page

491926.403Electrical - General Requirements (Construction)CFR title checked from 1997 on8350.39% of all745inspections$739,601current penalties

Citations: 835
Inspections: 745
Current penalties: $739,601
Initial penalties: $1,131,478
Share of all citations: 0.39%

1926.403 standard page

501904.32Annual SummaryCFR title checked from 2001 on, except 20027950.37% of all591inspections$184,229current penalties

Citations: 795
Inspections: 591
Current penalties: $184,229
Initial penalties: $327,876
Share of all citations: 0.37%

1904.32 standard page

All citations in this view: 215,755. 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.

SafetyRecord also offers this data as an API and bulk files, with inspections grouped by establishment and a record of how citations change after OSHA publishes them: Data & API.