Posted: May 31, 2025

A team of men working on a construction siteAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around one in five worker deaths happen in the construction field. Many of these tragedies are preventable and often tied to violations of basic safety standards.

This blog explores the most commonly cited OSHA violations in the construction industry, why they matter, and how recognizing them can protect workers and strengthen claims. If you've been hurt on a job site, the legal team at Kline & Specter has a decades-long history of standing up for injured workers.

The "Fatal Four" Safety Violations

OSHA refers to the leading causes of construction site deaths as the "Fatal Four":

  • Falls: Most common cause of death in construction. Often due to lack of fall protection or improperly used ladders/scaffolds.
  • Struck-by Objects: Includes tools, equipment, or building materials falling from above.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with overhead power lines or faulty electrical systems.
  • Caught-in/between Incidents: Examples include trench collapses or getting pinned by machinery.

OSHA's Most Cited Standards in Construction

Based on OSHA data, the most violated safety regulations in construction include:

  • Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501): Inadequate guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets.
  • Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451): Incorrect assembly, missing planking, or lack of access ladders.
  • Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): Using damaged ladders or setting them up improperly.
  • Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Failing to inform workers about chemical hazards onsite.
  • Head and Eye Protection (29 CFR 1926.102, .100): Neglecting to provide or enforce the use of PPE.

Why It Matters If You've Been Injured

If your injury involved any of these violations, you may have grounds for more than workers' compensation. In many cases, Kline & Specter has helped clients pursue claims against third parties like contractors or equipment manufacturers whose negligence caused harm. With a team that includes attorneys who are also medical doctors, our firm offers an in-depth understanding that few others can match.

Know Your Rights. Protect Your Future.

Construction work is dangerous, but unsafe working conditions shouldn't be accepted as "just part of the job." If you or someone you love has been injured due to a safety violation, the nationally recognized team at Kline & Specter can help. Call 215-772-1000 or send a message. 

Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.