1910.213(b): Woodworking Machine Controls
Each woodworking machine must have a power control the operator can use to cut power without leaving the point of operation. Belt-driven machines need a locking belt shifter or equivalent, machines must not restart automatically after power failure where that could injure the operator, electric controls must be able to be made inoperative during repairs, treadles must be protected from accidental tripping, and feed rolls must be guarded. Controls should be within easy reach.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 36 times in the last 3 years, in 35 inspections, with $90,385 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MN (7), CT (5), NC (4).
- Related part: 1910.213(b)(3) (22 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(b) ("Machine controls and equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 7 sub-paragraphs. 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
(b) Machine controls and equipment. 36 citations
(1) A mechanical or electrical power control shall be provided on each machine to make it possible for the operator to cut off the power from each machine without leaving his position at the point of operation. 2 citations
(2) On machines driven by belts and shafting, a locking-type belt shifter or an equivalent positive device shall be used.
(3) On applications where injury to the operator might result if motors were to restart after power failures, provision shall be made to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power. Open (b)(3) 22 citations
(4) Power controls and operating controls should be located within easy reach of the operator while he is at his regular work location, making it unnecessary for him to reach over the cutter to make adjustments. This does not apply to constant pressure controls used only for setup purposes.
(5) On each machine operated by electric motors, positive means shall be provided for rendering such controls or devices inoperative while repairs or adjustments are being made to the machines they control. 1 citations
(6) Each operating treadle shall be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping. Open (b)(6) 6 citations
(7) Feeder attachments shall have the feed rolls or other moving parts so covered or guarded as to protect the operator from hazardous points. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 35 inspections cited 1910.213(b) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.213(b).
On April 9, 2024, an employee was cleaning under a machine that slices veneer. The employee's elbow or torso pressed a pedal which actuated the machine, and hewas pinned between the machine and the floor. The employee was initially hospitalized after the incident on April…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: MN (7), CT (5), NC (4), AL (3), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LOWE'S HOME CENTERS, LLC | PLAINFIELD, CT | $10,050 |
| PALLET SERVICE CORPORATION | MARSHFIELD, WI | $8,779 |
| 66910 - THE FREEMAN CORPORATION | WINCHESTER, KY | $7,000 |
| APPALACHIAN WOOD FLOORS, INC. | PORTSMOUTH, OH | $6,921 |
| BUCHANAN HARDWOOD FLOORING COMPANY, L.L.C. | ALICEVILLE, AL | $6,563 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(b)(3) 22 citations
- 1910.213(b)(6) 6 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Where must the power control be?
Positioned so the operator can cut off power without leaving his position at the point of operation.
What about restarting after a power outage?
Where injury might result, provision must be made to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power.
Must treadles be protected?
Yes. Each operating treadle shall be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.213 (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 2026-11-05
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.