1910.136(a): When Protective Footwear Is Required
Employers must ensure each affected employee uses protective footwear when working where there is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects or objects piercing the sole, or when footwear will protect against an electrical hazard, such as static discharge or electric shock, that remains after other protective measures.
Key takeaways
- 1910.136(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 167 times in the last 3 years, in 167 inspections, with $508,025 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (55), TX (10), FL (8).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.136(a) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.136 Foot protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures. 167 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.136.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.136(a).
At 5:15 p.m. on August 27, 2024, Employee #1 was tasked with loading retail products from an 18-wheel truck to a warehouse. While backing up, the forklift fell off the ramp leading to the trailer, causing the employee's head to be crushed between the ground…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 76 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Top states: PR (55), TX (10), FL (8), VA (8), TN (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SUPERMERCADO MR. SPECIAL INC | YAUCO, PR | $17,500 |
| FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY, L.L.C. | BRIDGEWATER, NJ | $16,550 |
| UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE | NEW CASTLE, DE | $16,550 |
| THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY | CYPRESS, TX | $16,550 |
| BERRIDGE MANUFACTURING CO. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $14,187 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.136(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Employer Personal Protective Equipment Workplace Hazard Assessment For Footwear (2013-12-09)
- Clarification of an alleged OSHA statement regarding foot protection in the USPS safety program. (2007-08-06)
- Wearing "Crocs" brand shoes with a partially open heel and a covered toe in a pharmacy setting. (2006-07-17)
- Wearing of open-toed shoes in an office environment. (2003-08-28)
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Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who must make sure footwear is used?
The employer must ensure each affected employee uses it.
What hazards require protective footwear?
Falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, and remaining electrical hazards such as static discharge or shock.
Is footwear the first line of defense for electrical hazards?
No. It is required for electrical hazards that remain after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.136 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.