1926.200(c)(1): When to Use Caution Signs
Caution signs may be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. They must follow the specifications in Figure 4 of ANSI Z35.1-1968 or Figures 1 to 13 of ANSI Z535.2-2011.
Key takeaways
- 1926.200(c)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $40,445 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.200(c) Caution signs (8 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.200(c)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.200 Accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart G). 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
(1) Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices, and shall follow the specifications illustrated in Figure 4 of ANSI Z35.1-1968 or in Figures 1 to 13 of ANSI Z535.2-2011, incorporated by reference in § 1926.6. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.200.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.200(c)(1).
At 10:15 a.m. on August 29, 2024, an employee working as a pipefitter for a residential building contractor was working inside a trench. The employee was struck by the 30-inch bucket of a Kobelco excavator and pinned between the bucket and a plate structure. The…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.200(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.200(c)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.200(c) Caution signs 8 citations
- 1926.200(c)(2) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What are caution signs used for?
Only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices.
What design must caution signs follow?
Figure 4 of ANSI Z35.1-1968 or Figures 1 to 13 of ANSI Z535.2-2011.
Can caution signs be used for other messages?
No. They are to be used only for potential hazards or unsafe practices.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.200 (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.