1910.219(i)(2): Safe Shaft Couplings
Employers must make sure shaft couplings are built so their bolts, nuts, setscrews and revolving surfaces present no hazard. Bolts, nuts and setscrews are allowed only if covered with safety sleeves, or if they run parallel with the shaft and are countersunk or do not extend beyond the coupling flange.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(i)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 24 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $55,779 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IA (7), PA (3), TN (2).
- Related part: 1910.219(i) Collars and couplings (25 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(i)(2) ("Couplings") is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). 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) Couplings. Shaft couplings shall be so constructed as to present no hazard from bolts, nuts, setscrews, or revolving surfaces. Bolts, nuts, and setscrews will, however, be permitted where they are covered with safety sleeves or where they are used parallel with the shafting and are countersunk or else do not extend beyond the flange of the coupling. 24 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: IA (7), PA (3), TN (2), IL (2), NC (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NUCO FOODS, LLC | ELIZABETHTOWN, PA | $27,308 |
| FROZEN FOOD DEVELOPMENT, INC. | ELIZABETHTOWN, PA | $5,530 |
| NGC, INC. | JOHNSTON, RI | $4,034 |
| WEST MADISON FOODS, INC. | THORNTON, IL | $4,000 |
| FCX2026XBB472X0005 - RELIANT WELL DRILLING AND PUMP CORPORATION, INC. | BOWIE, AZ | $3,972 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(i)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirement to guard shaft couplings. (1975-06-23)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(i) Collars and couplings 25 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What hazard does this rule address on shaft couplings?
Hazards from bolts, nuts, setscrews or revolving surfaces on the coupling.
Are bolts and setscrews ever allowed on couplings?
Yes, if they are covered with safety sleeves, or are parallel with the shafting and countersunk or not extending beyond the coupling flange.
What is a safety sleeve for?
It covers bolts, nuts and setscrews on a coupling so they do not present a hazard.
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 2026-10-21
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.