Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, and every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the top safety violations that put workers at risk.
These violations are not just statistics. They are real hazards that can cause life-changing injuries or even fatalities. Understanding them can help construction workers stay vigilant, advocate for safer working conditions, and protect their rights under the law.
Hofmann & Schweitzer has decades of experience fighting for injured construction workers in New York and New Jersey. Our experienced construction injury lawyers understand the unique hazards of construction work and the legal strategies needed to secure fair compensation. If you’ve been hurt, our team can investigate the cause, identify safety violations, and hold the responsible parties accountable while you focus on your recovery.
OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations
The following list covers OSHA’s most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2024. However, many of these violations appear on OSHA’s safety violation list year after year. They include:
1. Fall Protection, General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501)
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. Without proper fall protection, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, workers risk serious injuries from even relatively short falls. Missing or inadequate protection is especially dangerous on roofs, scaffolds, or elevated work surfaces.
We’ve represented numerous clients in construction fall accident claims. Some of the recoveries we’ve secured for our clients include $2.2 million, $1.4 million, $1.14 million, and $950,000. Each recovery is unique and based on how the accident happened, the injuries suffered, available evidence, and other factors.
2. Hazard Communication, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Construction sites often involve exposure to hazardous chemicals like solvents, adhesives, and coatings. Hazard communication violations occur when employers fail to label chemicals properly, provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or train workers on chemical risks, leading to preventable illnesses or burns.
3. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), General Industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
Lockout/tagout procedures prevent machines from unexpectedly starting during maintenance. When these protocols aren’t followed, workers can be crushed, electrocuted, or otherwise injured by equipment that suddenly powers up.
4. Ladders, Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Improper ladder use, such as using damaged ladders, overreaching, or placing them on unstable surfaces, can lead to falls and serious injuries.
5. Respiratory Protection, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
Dust, fumes, asbestos, and silica are common on construction sites. Without proper respirators and training, workers can suffer from lung disease, chronic respiratory issues, or acute toxic exposure. Violations often involve failing to fit-test masks or provide the right type of respirator for the hazard.
6. Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
Forklifts and other powered trucks are essential for moving materials, but improper training or unsafe operation can result in crush injuries, struck-by incidents, or tip-overs. OSHA cites violations when operators are untrained or equipment is poorly maintained.
7. Fall Protection Training, Construction (29 CFR 1926.503)
Even if fall protection equipment is available, it’s useless if workers don’t know how to use it correctly. This violation covers failure to train workers to recognize fall hazards and properly use safety systems.
8. Scaffolding, Construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
Scaffolds that are improperly constructed, overloaded, or lacking guardrails can collapse or cause falls. Because of the heights involved, scaffold-related accidents often result in severe injuries.
Our experienced construction injury lawyers represented a painter who fell when the scaffolding under him gave way at a Brooklyn high school. Our client suffered serious life-long injuries from the scaffolding collapse, and we were able to settle his case for $1.9 million.
9. Eye and Face Protection, Construction (29 CFR 1926.102)
Flying debris, sparks, and chemical splashes are everyday hazards. Workers risk permanent vision damage or disfigurement without proper goggles or face shields.
10. Machine Guarding, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.212)
Machines with exposed moving parts can cause amputations, crush injuries, or lacerations. Violations occur when employers fail to install guards or allow guards to be removed or bypassed.
New York and New Jersey Construction Laws Also Protect Workers
New York and New Jersey have strong laws protecting construction workers from unsafe conditions. In New York, Labor Law Sections 200, 240 (“Scaffold Law”), and 241 provide special protections, including strict liability for certain fall-related accidents. In New Jersey, workers are protected under state safety statutes. These laws hold property owners, contractors, and employers accountable when their negligence causes injury.
