1910.219(c)(2): Guarding Horizontal Shafting
All exposed horizontal shafting seven feet or less from the floor or work platform must be enclosed by a stationary casing or a trough, except runways used only for oiling or running adjustments. Shafting under bench machines must be enclosed by casing or trough, with trough sides within six inches of the table underside or floor and extending at least two inches beyond the shafting.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(c)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 315 times in the last 3 years, in 314 inspections, with $1,208,737 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IA (31), NC (31), VA (23).
- Related part: 1910.219(c) Shafting (703 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2) ("Guarding horizontal shafting") is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 2 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
(2) Guarding horizontal shafting. 315 citations
(i) All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, shall be protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafting completely or by a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting as location requires. Open (c)(2)(i) 302 citations
(ii) Shafting under bench machines shall be enclosed by a stationary casing, or by a trough at sides and top or sides and bottom, as location requires. The sides of the trough shall come within at least six (6) inches of the underside of table, or if shafting is located near floor within six (6) inches of floor. In every case the sides of trough shall extend at least two (2) inches beyond the shafting or protuberance. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.219(c)(2).
At 10:35 a.m. on December 2, 2024, Employee #1 was performing maintenance on a sensor inside a robotic enclosure. As he entered the area, the robot was stoppedby entrance sensors. While he was cleaning the sensor, a coworker reset the machine from the control panel,…
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 | 19 |
| 2024 | 124 |
| 2025 | 112 |
| 2026 | 60 |
Top states: IA (31), NC (31), VA (23), WI (20), MN (16)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GREAT KITCHENS FOOD COMPANY, INC. | BROCKTON, MA | $40,000 |
| 68657 - DURO HILEX POLY LLC | FLORENCE, KY | $28,000 |
| COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION | NORFOLK, VA | $16,285 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| GREAT DANE LLC | WAYNE, NE | $15,625 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA's machine guarding requirements provide no exemption from guarding based on shaft size or speed. (2006-01-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(c) Shafting 703 citations
- 1910.219(c)(4) Projecting shaft ends 331 citations
- 1910.219(c)(2)(i) 302 citations
- 1910.219(c)(4)(i) 279 citations
- 1910.219(c)(3) Guarding vertical and inclined shafting 57 citations
- 1910.219(c)(4)(ii) 51 citations
- 1910.219(c)(5) Power-transmission apparatus located in basements
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Frequently asked questions
When must horizontal shafting be guarded?
When exposed parts are seven (7) feet or less from the floor or working platform.
What guard types are allowed?
A stationary casing enclosing the shafting completely, or a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom.
How far must trough sides extend?
At least two (2) inches beyond the shafting or protuberance.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.219 (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.