1926.1424(a)(2): Barriers and Training for Swing Zones
To keep workers out of crane swing and pinch hazard areas, employers must train each worker assigned on or near the equipment to recognize these areas, and erect and maintain control lines, warning lines, railings or similar barriers to mark them. If barriers are not feasible on the ground or equipment, the areas must be marked with warning signs and high-visibility markings, and workers trained on their meaning.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1424(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $98,442 in current penalties.
- Most citations: RI (6), GA (6), MI (6).
- Related part: 1926.1424(a) Swing radius hazards (31 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1424(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1424 Work area control, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). 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) To prevent employees from entering these hazard areas, the employer must: 31 citations
(i) Train each employee assigned to work on or near the equipment (“authorized personnel”) in how to recognize struck-by and pinch/crush hazard areas posed by the rotating superstructure. 3 citations
(ii) Erect and maintain control lines, warning lines, railings or similar barriers to mark the boundaries of the hazard areas. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is neither feasible to erect such barriers on the ground nor on the equipment, the hazard areas must be clearly marked by a combination of warning signs (such as “Danger—Swing/Crush Zone”) and high visibility markings on the equipment that identify the hazard areas. In addition, the employer must train each employee to understand what these markings signify. Open (a)(2)(ii) 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1424.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: RI (6), GA (6), MI (6), TX (3), OH (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
| HIGH DESERT ROOFING, INC. | SANTA FE, NM | $11,588 |
| STALWORTH UNDERGROUND LLC | OAK PARK, IL | $11,585 |
| CAPITAL CONCRETE, INC. | PENNSAUKEN, NJ | $10,372 |
| EMTZ FRAMING LLC | POWDER SPRINGS, GA | $9,930 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1424(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1424(a)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1424(a) Swing radius hazards 31 citations
- 1926.1424(a)(2)(ii) 22 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
Who must be trained?
Each employee assigned to work on or near the equipment, called authorized personnel.
How must hazard areas be marked?
With control lines, warning lines, railings or similar barriers.
What sign wording is given as an example?
Danger, Swing/Crush Zone.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1424 (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.