1926.20(b)(2): Competent person job site inspections
A construction employer's safety program must include frequent and regular inspections of the job site, materials and equipment, and those inspections must be made by competent persons the employer designates.
Key takeaways
- 1926.20(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 2,605 times in the last 3 years, in 2,603 inspections, with $9,193,555 in current penalties.
- 29 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (459), OH (290), IL (267).
- Related part: 1926.20(b) Accident prevention responsibilities (3,843 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.20 General safety and health provisions, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart C). 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) Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers. 2,605 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.20.
Injuries linked to this rule
29 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.20(b)(2).
The employee was operating a rubber-tired roller and assisting with the construction of a road into the site. The employee jumped from the roller when it went off the road surface. The roller struck the employee as it rolled on its side causing multiple fatal…
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 | 193 |
| 2024 | 973 |
| 2025 | 865 |
| 2026 | 574 |
Top states: MD (459), OH (290), IL (267), MA (242), WI (201)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALASKA DIRECTIONAL, LLC | PALMER, AK | $165,514 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | ROANOKE, VA | $153,742 |
| AMAZING METAL ROOFING, INC. | ROSLINDALE, MA | $68,754 |
| 317740139 - TAYLOR MORRISON INC | TIGARD, OR | $39,696 |
| OLDE MOHAWK, INC. | JAMAICA PLAIN, MA | $39,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.20(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of the multi-employer policy to particular construction standards. (2012-02-06)
- Inspection, testing, and operation requirements for Woltman PVE 5021S pile driving equipment. (2004-02-19)
- Information on ground fault circuit Interrupters (1992-02-04)
- The role of self-audits in safety and health programs (1991-10-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.20(b) Accident prevention responsibilities 3,843 citations
- 1926.20(b)(1) 1,169 citations
- 1926.20(b)(4) 57 citations
- 1926.20(b)(3) 12 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
How often must a construction site be inspected?
The rule says frequent and regular. Other standards, such as those for scaffolds, excavations and cranes, set specific inspection times.
Who can do the inspections?
Competent persons designated by the employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.20 (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.