Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 9, 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its preliminary list of the 10 most frequently cited workplace safety and health violations for fiscal year 2026, with respiratory protection ranking sixth overall.

Although respiratory protection moved from fifth to sixth place compared with last year, it remains a significant workplace safety concern. Employees across many industries may encounter airborne hazards capable of causing serious health effects, including respiratory impairment, asthma, allergies, occupational illness, and, in some cases, life-threatening disease.

“Respiratory protection continues to be a significant area of OSHA enforcement, underscoring the importance of effective hazard assessment, appropriate respiratory protection programs, and proper fit testing,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Employers have a responsibility to understand the airborne hazards present in their workplaces and take appropriate measures to protect employees. A comprehensive approach to respiratory protection can help safeguard workers while supporting compliance with applicable OSHA requirements.”

The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard applies where employees are exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants and respirator use is required or permitted under the standard. EMSL Analytical supports employers and safety professionals with a broad range of products and services related to respiratory protection and workplace air quality, including air testing services, air monitoring instruments, gas detectors, respirators, filters, and fit testing supplies.

EMSL has also produced an educational video reviewing OSHA’s 2026 Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety and health violations, including respiratory protection and other standards affecting employers across numerous industries. The video is available here: https://youtu.be/2fDk20SQXMU

For more information about respirators, PPE, fit testing kits, gas detection equipment, air monitoring instruments, or air testing services, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email [email protected].

 

 

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.