1910.26(e): Handholds on Portable Dockboards
Portable dockboards must be equipped with handholds or other means that allow safe handling.
Key takeaways
- 1910.26(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $13,335 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.26(e) is one requirement inside 1910.26 Dockboards, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). 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
(e) Portable dockboards are equipped with handholds or other means to permit safe handling of dockboards. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.26.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.26(e).
At 4:45 p.m. on August 23, 2024, A coworker was operating a Yale sit-down forklift at the R22 loading dock for rail cars after completing a loading operation. Employee #1 was assisting with closing a stuck rail car door by attaching a metal chain. The…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.26(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.26(e).
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Frequently asked questions
What must portable dockboards have?
Handholds or other means to permit safe handling.
Does this apply to fixed dockboards?
This paragraph applies to portable dockboards.
Why are handholds required?
To permit safe handling of the dockboards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.26 (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.