You Won’t Believe What OSHA’s Eric Harbin Reveals About Workplace Safety—Are You at Risk?

The presentation of OSHA’s Top 10 list of the most frequently cited standards has become a staple at the annual NSC Safety Congress & Expo. In 2025, Eric Harbin, administrator of OSHA’s Dallas Region, unveiled this year’s list, shedding light on critical safety issues affecting American workplaces. Harbin's discussion included anecdotes that highlighted the importance of compliance and safety culture, and he remained available afterward to address the questions of safety professionals in attendance.

As we approach the next Top 10 presentation set for September 2026 in Indianapolis, Harbin took time to reflect on pressing safety issues like falls and lockout/tagout protocols, as well as OSHA's commitment to compliance assistance. The conversation, which was conducted with Safety+Health Associate Editor Kevin Druley, revealed insights into why certain hazards continue to plague the workplace.

One of the most alarming statistics comes from the ongoing issue of falls, which have ranked as OSHA's top cited violation for the 15th consecutive year under the standard Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501). This standard is followed closely by Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503), which has been cited for nine years. Harbin attributes this persistent problem to a complex interplay of insufficient prevention actions and poor organizational practices, including a lack of comprehensive safety policies.

To combat this ongoing issue, OSHA provides free consultation services aimed at helping organizations identify and mitigate safety deficiencies. The agency also emphasizes the significance of safety culture, asserting that all team members, regardless of experience, need to grasp the fundamentals of safety and fall prevention. This approach provides assurance to employees, fostering a mindset that prioritizes safety.

In dynamic work environments, such as construction, maintaining a focus on fall prevention can be difficult. Harbin outlines three key elements to enhance workplace safety:

1. Plan – Anticipate potential hazards and develop proactive strategies.
2. Provide – Ensure access to necessary safety equipment and resources.
3. Train – Educate all employees on safety protocols and compliance importance.

Moreover, OSHA has spearheaded initiatives, such as the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which began in 2014. This event encourages employers to directly communicate safety concerns to employees, effectively expanding its reach beyond the construction sector to include various workplaces across the nation.

Preliminary data indicates that Fall Protection – Training Requirements and Scaffolding (1926.451) are separated by just two violations, suggesting a correlation that may indicate equipment misuse and a lack of training are common issues in workplaces. Harbin notes that falls remain the leading cause of death and serious injury in construction.

OSHA is also examining updates to its Lockout/Tagout standard (1910.147), which addresses hazardous energy control. Harbin pointed out that advances in technology, such as computer-based controls, could significantly impact future citations related to lockout/tagout practices. However, the specifics of this potential impact can only be determined once the new rules are officially published.

As the agency adapts to evolving workplace conditions, Harbin emphasized that the violations listed in OSHA's Top 10 are often straightforward to identify and rectify. Many of these hazardous conditions recur from year to year, indicating a need for continual engagement with employers to enhance safety and health management systems. The recent restructuring of OSHA's regional operations, which includes the establishment of a new region serving Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle, aims to bolster support for both employees and employers in the southeastern United States.

To ensure safety becomes a core cultural value within organizations, Harbin recommends beginning with basic guidelines like the “10 Easy Things to Get Your Program Started.” Employers needing assistance can utilize OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program, which offers free and confidential occupational safety advice to small and medium-sized businesses, prioritizing high-hazard worksites. This program operates independently from OSHA’s enforcement efforts, allowing employers to identify hazards without the fear of penalties.

Finally, Harbin stressed that OSHA's approach to workplace safety extends beyond enforcement to include education, training, and compliance assistance. By actively engaging with businesses at various stages of their safety journey, OSHA aims to promote a collaborative environment that fosters better safety practices across the board. Employers can find resources and assistance through OSHA’s website, ensuring they have the necessary tools to maintain safe workplaces.

As we look forward to the upcoming Top 10 presentation, it is clear that the ongoing dialogue between OSHA and employers remains crucial in addressing workplace safety. The insights shared by Harbin at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo not only highlight the persistent challenges in workplace safety but also offer actionable steps for organizations striving to create safer working environments for all.