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29 CFR 1926.502: Fall protection systems

Subpart M—Fall Protection · official heading: Fall protection systems criteria and practices

The specifications behind the construction fall protection rule: guardrail height and strength, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, hole covers and warning lines.

13,508citations since 2015
8,837employers cited
85%serious, willful or repeat
$600median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.502 13,508 times since 2015, against 8,837 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $25,140,809 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.502(d)(17) · 1,500 citations

(17) The attachment point of the body belt shall be located in the center of the wearer's back. The attachment point of the body harness shall be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head.

1926.502(d)(15) · 1,437 citations

(15) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows:

1926.502(d)(16)(iii) · 1,313 citations

(iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level;

1926.502(i)(4) · 899 citations

(4) All covers shall be color coded or they shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard.

1926.502(i)(3) · 762 citations

(3) All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees.

1926.502(d)(21) · 610 citations

(21) Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.

1926.502(d) · 569 citations

(d) Personal fall arrest systems. Personal fall arrest systems and their use shall comply with the provisions set forth below. Effective January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Note: The use of a body belt in a positioning device system is acceptable and is regulated under paragraph (e) of this section.

1926.502(b)(1) · 565 citations

(1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.

Industries cited most

  • Construction 13,114
  • Manufacturing 85
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 85
  • Wholesale Trade 47
  • Utilities 37
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 20

States cited most

Recently cited employers