1910.265(c)(4): Sawmill Walkways, Docks and Platforms
Sawmill employers must make walkways, docks and platforms wide enough for safe passage and work, evenly floored and in good repair, with guards or shear timbers on vehicle docks except where loading or unloading. Elevated walks and platforms 4 feet or more above the floor need a standard railing except on loading sides, and a toe board if over 6 feet; daily-used platforms need compliant stairs or fixed ladders.
Key takeaways
- 1910.265(c)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 26 inspections, with $324,742 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (11), GA (5), VA (4).
- Related part: 1910.265(c) Building facilities, and isolated equipment (103 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.265(c)(4) ("Walkways, docks, and platforms") is one requirement inside 1910.265 Sawmills, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 6 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
(4) Walkways, docks, and platforms — 30 citations
(i) Width. Walkways, docks, and platforms shall be of sufficient width to provide adequate passage and working areas.
(ii) Maintenance. Walkways shall be evenly floored and kept in good repair. 3 citations
(iii) Docks. Docks and runways used for the operation of lift trucks and other vehicles shall have a substantial guard or shear timber except where loading and unloading are being performed.
(iv) Elevated walks. All elevated walks, runways, or platforms, if 4 feet or more from the floor level, shall be provided with a standard railing except on loading or unloading sides of platforms. If height exceeds 6 feet, a standard toe board also shall be provided to prevent material from rolling or falling off. Open (c)(4)(iv) 21 citations
(v) Elevated platforms. Where elevated platforms are used routinely on a daily basis, they shall be equipped with stairways or fixed ladders that comply with subpart D of this part. 4 citations
(vi) Hazardous locations. Where required, walkways and stairways with standard handrails shall be provided in elevated and hazardous locations. Where such passageways are over walkways or work areas, standard toe boards shall be provided. Open (c)(4)(vi) 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.265.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.265(c)(4).
At 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2024, Employee #1 was overseeing the sorter bay to ensure proper sorting of wood cant pieces. A wood cant became jammed in Sorter Bay 6, and the employee reached into the machine to clear the obstruction. The sorter bay…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: WI (11), GA (5), VA (4), AL (2), OR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MDLG, INC. | PHENIX CITY, AL | $152,100 |
| THOMPSON HARDWOODS, INC. | HAZLEHURST, GA | $46,090 |
| MIDWEST HARDWOOD COMPANY, LLC. | PARK FALLS, WI | $35,937 |
| POLLARD LUMBER CO., INC. | APPLING, GA | $15,000 |
| PUKALL LUMBER COMPANY, INC. | ARBOR VITAE, WI | $14,414 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.265(c)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.265(c)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.265(c) Building facilities, and isolated equipment 103 citations
- 1910.265(c)(18) Conveyors 34 citations
- 1910.265(c)(18)(i) Standards 34 citations
- 1910.265(c)(4)(iv) Elevated walks 21 citations
- 1910.265(c)(5) Stairways 13 citations
- 1910.265(c)(26) Mechanical stackers and unstackers 8 citations
- 1910.265(c)(5)(ii) Handrails 7 citations
- 1910.265(c)(4)(vi) Hazardous locations 2 citations
- 1910.265(c)(2) Work areas 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When do elevated walkways need railings?
When 4 feet or more from the floor level, except on loading or unloading sides of platforms.
When is a toe board required?
If the height exceeds 6 feet, and also where passageways are over walkways or work areas.
What must docks used by lift trucks have?
A substantial guard or shear timber, except where loading and unloading are being performed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.265 (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.