OSHA enforcement is ramping up, and construction and manufacturing employers are at the center of it. With injury rates remaining high in these industries, OSHA is expanding targeted inspections, increasing penalties, and focusing on repeat and high-risk violations.
For employers, this means inspections are more likely, more thorough, and less forgiving. Understanding how OSHA enforcement works — and how to prepare — is essential to staying compliant and keeping workers safe.
Why OSHA Is Increasing Enforcement Efforts
OSHA’s goal is simple: prevent serious injuries and fatalities. In construction and manufacturing, hazards like falls, machine entanglement, electrical exposure, and struck-by incidents continue to cause severe injuries year after year.
Because many of these incidents are preventable, OSHA is prioritizing enforcement over education alone. Employers with:
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High injury and illness rates
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Poor safety records
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Repeat OSHA violations
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Inadequate safety programs
are more likely to face inspections and citations.
In short, OSHA is shifting toward accountability and prevention through enforcement.
What Are Targeted OSHA Inspections?
Targeted OSHA inspections are not random. These inspections focus on employers OSHA believes present an elevated risk to workers.
Construction and manufacturing companies are often selected based on:
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Injury rates higher than the industry average
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Previous OSHA citations or repeat violations
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National or Regional Emphasis Programs (NEPs and REPs)
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Employee complaints or whistleblower reports
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Serious injuries, hospitalizations, or fatalities
Once selected, OSHA may conduct a comprehensive inspection, reviewing multiple hazards instead of focusing on just one issue.
Why Construction and Manufacturing Are High-Priority Industries
Construction and manufacturing consistently rank among the most dangerous industries in the U.S. OSHA enforcement reflects this reality.
In construction, inspectors often focus on:
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Fall protection systems and training
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Ladder safety and scaffolding compliance
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Trenching and excavation hazards
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PPE usage, including head, eye, and hand protection
In manufacturing, common enforcement areas include:
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Lockout/tagout procedures
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Machine guarding
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Hazard communication programs
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Respiratory protection and PPE compliance
Because these hazards are well-known, OSHA expects employers to have strong controls and documented programs in place.
Common OSHA Violations That Trigger Inspections
Many targeted inspections uncover the same issues again and again. The most common OSHA violations in construction and manufacturing include:
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Inadequate or missing fall protection
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Poor lockout/tagout implementation
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Failure to provide or enforce proper PPE
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Incomplete hazard communication training
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Unsafe ladder use
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Missing or outdated written safety programs
These violations often signal broader problems with a company’s safety management system, increasing the likelihood of repeat inspections.
How OSHA Uses Data to Identify Employers
OSHA relies heavily on data to guide enforcement. Employers are often unaware how closely their safety metrics are monitored.
OSHA reviews:
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OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 injury logs
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Electronically submitted injury data
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Industry injury rate benchmarks
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Workers’ compensation trends
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Employee complaints and referrals
If your injury rates are higher than similar construction or manufacturing operations, your company may be flagged for a targeted OSHA inspection, even if no recent incident has occurred.
The Real Cost of OSHA Citations
OSHA citations affect more than just compliance. For construction and manufacturing employers, citations can lead to:
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Significant financial penalties
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Jobsite shutdowns or delays
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Increased insurance and workers’ compensation costs
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Damage to reputation and bidding eligibility
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Increased likelihood of future inspections
Repeat or willful violations carry much higher penalties and long-term enforcement consequences.
How Employers Can Prepare for Increased OSHA Enforcement
Preparation is the best defense. Employers that focus on proactive compliance are far less likely to face serious citations.
Key preparation steps include:
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Conducting regular jobsite and facility safety audits
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Updating written safety and PPE programs
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Providing documented safety training
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Addressing near misses and unsafe behaviors quickly
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Ensuring supervisors actively enforce safety rules
OSHA looks closely at documentation, training records, and enforcement, not just written policies.
PPE and Hazard Controls Matter More Than Ever
PPE violations are a major focus during OSHA inspections. Employers must ensure:
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PPE hazard assessments are completed and documented
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Workers are trained on proper PPE use and limitations
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PPE meets OSHA and ANSI requirements
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Engineering and administrative controls are used first
OSHA expects PPE to be the last line of defense, not a substitute for proper hazard control.
Turning OSHA Enforcement Into a Safety Advantage
While increased OSHA enforcement may feel overwhelming, it can also be an opportunity. Companies with strong safety programs often see:
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Fewer injuries and incidents
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Improved employee morale
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Lower insurance costs
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Stronger safety culture
By staying ahead of enforcement trends, construction and manufacturing employers can move from reactive compliance to proactive safety leadership.
OSHA’s increased enforcement and targeted inspections are here to stay — especially for construction and manufacturing. Employers who ignore these trends risk citations, penalties, and preventable injuries.
Those who invest in safety programs, PPE compliance, and ongoing training will be better positioned to protect workers and maintain OSHA compliance in 2026 and beyond.
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