The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep business owners aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspectors find in workplaces across the nation. It applies to all industries and accounts for hazards that can lead to preventable injuries, illnesses, and deaths.1
In the petroleum industry, where workers face high-risk environments involving flammable materials and heavy machinery, adhering to OSHA standards is essential. This list can help you to identify and fix critical safety gaps. For the most recent fiscal year, the top 10 OSHA hazards are1:
Fall Protection (general requirements)
Hazard Communication
Ladders
Lockout/Tagout – Control of Hazardous Energy
Respiratory Protection
Fall Protection Training Requirements
Scaffolding
Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts)
Eye and Face Protection
Machine Guarding
Each year, state and federal OSHA agencies conduct tens of thousands of inspections, assessing hundreds of millions of dollars in fines.2 Compare the OSHA Top 10 list against your own operations and ask how you are addressing these topics. Consider these action items:
Build Strong Risk Management Policies: Create and enforce risk management policies with employees.
Conduct Regular Training: Provide employees with ongoing safety training tailored to industry-specific hazards.
Perform Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect equipment, tools, and facilities to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to violations or accidents.
Develop Clear Safety Protocols: Establish and enforce comprehensive safety procedures, including emergency response plans and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Encourage Reporting: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting unsafe conditions or near-misses without fear of retaliation.
Invest in Maintenance: Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and meets OSHA standards.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with OSHA regulations and industry best practices.
Addressing the OSHA Top 10 is not just about compliance. It’s about fostering a strong safety culture to help protect your most valuable assets. Connect with a Federated Insurance® marketing representative to learn more and to access helpful OSHA Top 10 risk management resources.
NSC. OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations Show Persistent Risks to Workers. 2025. https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/osha-top-10-safety-violations-show-persistent-risk?srsltid=AfmBOopiKuCztGsZSxjqyBlHyn19Z29jMpKyC1YBgopcfSTAeOUD6-A-. Accessed November 6, 2025.
OSHA. Frequently Cited OSHA Standards. 2025. https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/citedstandard.html. Accessed November 3, 2025.
This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for any laws or regulations that may apply. This information is accurate as of its publication date and is subject to change. Some of the services referenced herein may be provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and applicable laws.
