OSHA has released its preliminary list of the 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2026. Announced September 15 at the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo, the list provides employers with a useful snapshot of the compliance issues OSHA inspectors continue to encounter. The preliminary data reflects OSHA Information System data from October 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.
For the 16th consecutive year, Fall Protection topped the list. Although many of the standards on the list are construction-related, several directly affect day-to-day operations at agricultural retail facilities.
OSHA’s Preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 Top 10
- Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 4,041 violations
- Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 1,961 violations
- Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 1,863 violations
- Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,725 violations
- Ladders (1926.1053): 1,659 violations
- Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 1,608 violations
- Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,379 violations
- Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,273 violations
- Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,120 violations
- Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,072 violations
What Should Ag Retailers Focus On?
Several items on this year’s list deserve particular attention at agricultural retail facilities.
Hazard Communication remains near the top. Facilities handling fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals should ensure their written Hazard Communication Program is current, containers are properly labeled, Safety Data Sheets are readily accessible and employees receive required training. OSHA officials identified missing programs, inadequate training and SDS-related deficiencies among common problems encountered during inspections.
Lockout/Tagout moved into the third position this year. Ag retailers should review procedures for equipment such as conveyors, mixers, augers, blenders and other machinery that employees service or maintain. OSHA reported problems including missing procedures, employees no longer following established procedures, inadequate training and failure to conduct required periodic inspections.
Powered Industrial Trucks are another important area for many ag retailers. Forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, seed operations and other material-handling areas. OSHA officials noted recurring issues involving operator training and evaluation, refresher training, defective equipment and required inspections.
Respiratory Protection and Machine Guarding also deserve attention. Employers requiring respirator use need to ensure applicable medical evaluations, fit testing and employee training are completed. Machinery should be reviewed to ensure guards remain installed and employees are protected from hazardous moving parts.
Use the List as a Self-Audit Tool
OSHA’s Top 10 should not be viewed simply as a list of enforcement statistics. It can serve as a practical checklist for evaluating your own operation. Walk through the facility, review written programs and training records, inspect equipment and talk with employees about the procedures they actually follow.
The preliminary 2026 results show that familiar compliance problems continue to surface. Addressing those issues before an inspection—and, more importantly, before an employee gets hurt—can help strengthen both compliance and workplace safety.
With fall season underway and year-end approaching, now is a good time to use OSHA’s Top 10 as a starting point for your next facility safety review.