Why Fall Protection Is the Leading OSHA Violation Every Year

By Abbie Geigle

Fall protection consistently ranks as one of the top OSHA violations year after year. Despite clear OSHA fall protection standards, falls remain a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in both construction and general industry. The issue is not a lack of regulations, but ongoing challenges in hazard recognition, training, and enforcement.

One reason fall protection violations are so common is that fall hazards change frequently. Open edges, floor openings, temporary platforms, ladders, and roofs can create risks that weren’t present earlier in the workday. Without regular hazard recognition and job hazard analysis, required fall protection may be missed.

Many incidents also stem from the “just this once” mindset. Workers often skip fall protection during short tasks such as maintenance, inspections, or quick adjustments. Unfortunately, OSHA investigations show that falls frequently occur during these brief moments when guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems are not used.

Improper use of fall protection equipment is another major factor. OSHA often cites employers for incorrect anchorage points, poorly fitted harnesses, lack of equipment inspection, or incompatible system components. Simply providing equipment does not ensure OSHA compliance or worker safety.

Inadequate fall protection training also contributes to repeated violations. Training that is infrequent or overly generic may not prepare workers to recognize fall hazards or understand when OSHA requires fall protection. Ongoing, task-specific training is essential, especially in construction and maintenance environments.

Finally, safety culture plays a critical role. When productivity is prioritized over safety, or supervisors fail to enforce fall protection requirements consistently, unsafe behaviors become routine. Strong leadership and accountability are essential for reducing OSHA violations.

Fall protection remains a leading OSHA violation because it requires continuous attention. Effective fall protection programs depend on regular hazard assessments, proper equipment use, consistent training, and strong leadership commitment.