1910.37(a)(3): Exit routes must be clear and unobstructed
Exit routes must be free and unobstructed, and no materials or equipment may be placed in them, even temporarily. The exit access may not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, or lead into a dead-end corridor, and stairs or a ramp must be provided where the route is not substantially level.
Key takeaways
- 1910.37(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 1,294 times in the last 3 years, in 1,293 inspections, with $4,720,673 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (131), NJ (93), VA (78).
- Related part: 1910.37(a) The danger to employees must be minimized (1,704 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.37 Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart E). 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
(3) Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead-end corridor. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially level. 1,294 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.37.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.37(a)(3).
At 3:28 p.m. on September 23, 2024, an employee was performing maintenance on a forklift. The employee was attempting to change the oil and filter using floor jacks and blocks. During the task, the floor jack slipped, causing the forklift to fall and crush the…
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 | 96 |
| 2024 | 510 |
| 2025 | 433 |
| 2026 | 255 |
Top states: NY (131), NJ (93), VA (78), FL (70), TX (67)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| J&J SNACK FOODS CORP. | PENNSAUKEN, NJ | $156,259 |
| GLACIER POINT ENTERPRISES, LLC | SWEDESBORO, NJ | $114,230 |
| TARGET CORPORATION | BURLINGTON, MA | $113,000 |
| THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. | EAST HAVEN, CT | $100,000 |
| DOLGENCORP OF TEXAS, INC. | GARLAND, TX | $93,436 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.37(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Termination of the January 2009 Corporate-Wide Settlement Agreement between United Parcel Service (UPS) and OSHA; Enforcement of 20 CFR 1910.37(a)(3) and 29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2) (2019-06-18)
- Exit Routes. (1978-11-27)
- Clarification of requirements that exit routes be maintained clear of all obstructions. (1976-02-17)
- Interpretation for exit routes that are not level. (1975-08-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.37(a) The danger to employees must be minimized 1,704 citations
- 1910.37(a)(4) 336 citations
- 1910.37(a)(2) 56 citations
- 1910.37(a)(1) 16 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
Can carts be parked in an exit route for a few minutes?
No. Materials or equipment may not be placed in the exit route, either permanently or temporarily.
Can the exit path go through a storeroom that locks?
No. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (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.