NSC Links Severe Incidents to OSHA Violations -- Occupational Health & Safety

Worker attaches a safety harness lanyard to a metal railing for fall protection.

NSC Links Severe Incidents to OSHA Violations

New analysis connects frequently cited workplace standards with federal injury, illness and fatality data.

By Chelsey Arries
Sep 17, 2026

Falls resulted in 844 workplace deaths in 2024, making them one of the most serious hazards associated with OSHA’s most frequently cited standards, according to an analysis from the National Safety Council.

The NSC examined Bureau of Labor Statistics injury, illness and fatality data alongside OSHA’s Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2026. The analysis focused on outcomes associated with recurring hazards covered by the standards.

Of the 844 fatal falls recorded in 2024, 666 involved falls to a lower level. The hazard is connected with several standards on OSHA’s list, including fall protection, scaffolding, ladders and fall protection training.

Other findings included:

Chemicals were the primary injury source in 50 deaths in 2024 and 29,380 cases involving days away from work, job restriction or transfer (DART) in 2023 and 2024.
Hazardous energy incidents resulted in 44 deaths in 2024 and 16,590 DART cases across 2023 and 2024.
Exposure to electricity caused 130 deaths in 2024 and 6,010 DART cases in 2023 and 2024.
Employers reported 65,300 respiratory illness cases in 2024.
Powered industrial truck incidents involving forklifts, order pickers and platform trucks resulted in 84 deaths in 2024 and 25,110 DART cases in 2023 and 2024.
Eye and face injuries accounted for 95,490 DART cases across 2023 and 2024.
Incidents in which workers were struck by or caught in operating equipment resulted in 213 deaths in 2024 and 84,950 DART cases in 2023 and 2024.

The council also highlighted serious events not directly represented among OSHA’s most frequently cited standards. Transportation incidents caused 1,937 workplace deaths in 2024, including 1,146 roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles and 369 pedestrian vehicle incidents.

Workplace violence accounted for 733 deaths, including 470 homicides and 263 suicides. Contact with stationary or moving objects caused 756 deaths.

Overexertion and bodily reaction produced 946,290 DART cases in 2023 and 2024. Of those, 698,000 resulted from overexertion while moving or handling external objects.

About the Author

Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.

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