1926.201: Signaling: Flaggers and Crane Signals
In construction, employers must make sure flagger signaling, the use of flaggers and flaggers' warning garments conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD. Crane and hoist signaling rules are found in the applicable ANSI standards.
Key takeaways
- 1926.201 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 33 inspections, with $301,200 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (6), DE (6), CT (5).
- Most-cited part: 1926.201(a) Flaggers (33 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.201, "Signaling", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart G). It has 2 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.201 (2 paragraphs)
(a) Flaggers. Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers, shall conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6). Open (a) 33 citations
(b) Crane and hoist signals. Regulations for crane and hoist signaling will be found in applicable American National Standards Institute standards.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 67 FR 57736, Sept. 12, 2002; 78 FR 35567, June 13, 2013; 84 FR 21577, May 14, 2019]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 33 inspections cited 1926.201 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.201.
At 2:15 p.m. on October 29, 2024, an employee was directing traffic when a vehicle from oncoming traffic struck the employee. The employee sustained blunt force trauma and died as a result of the injuries.
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 | 14 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (6), DE (6), CT (5), NH (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AWP, INC. | WILMINGTON, DE | $99,300 |
| AWP, INC. | CLAYMONT, DE | $91,025 |
| AWP, INC. | HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, OH | $16,131 |
| KDR NY ENTERPRISES CORP. | BROOKLYN, NY | $14,895 |
| PIKE ELECTRIC WEST, LLC | GEORGETOWN, TX | $11,823 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.201.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.201(a) Flaggers 33 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What standard governs flaggers in construction?
Part 6 of the MUTCD, which is incorporated by reference.
Does it cover flagger clothing?
Yes. Warning garments worn by flaggers must conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD.
Where are crane and hoist signal rules?
In the applicable American National Standards Institute standards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.201 (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 2026-11-06
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.