1926.21: Safety Training and Education in Construction
Construction employers must teach each worker to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and to know the rules that apply to their work. Workers who handle poisons, caustics, flammable liquids, gases or toxic materials must be trained in safe handling, and workers in areas with harmful plants or animals must learn the hazards and first aid.
Key takeaways
- 1926.21 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 1,524 times in the last 3 years, in 1,501 inspections, with $7,014,676 in current penalties.
- 90 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (151), MA (124), IL (120).
- Most-cited part: 1926.21(b) Employer responsibility (1,520 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.21, "Safety training and education", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart C). It has 7 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 1926.21 (7 paragraphs)
(a) General requirements. The Secretary shall, pursuant to section 107(f) of the Act, establish and supervise programs for the education and training of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe conditions in employments covered by the act. 4 citations
(b) Employer responsibility. Open (b) 1,520 citations
(1) The employer should avail himself of the safety and health training programs the Secretary provides. 7 citations
(2) The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. Open (b)(2) 1,503 citations
(3) Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required. 2 citations
(4) In job site areas where harmful plants or animals are present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury, and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of injury. 1 citations
(5) Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in subparts D, F, and other applicable subparts of this part. 6 citations
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 80 FR 25518, May 4, 2015]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 1,501 inspections cited 1926.21 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
90 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.21.
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
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 | 82 |
| 2024 | 568 |
| 2025 | 522 |
| 2026 | 352 |
Top states: TX (151), MA (124), IL (120), NY (102), OH (89)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $331,028 |
| MOHAWK NORTHEAST, INC. | NEW BEDFORD, MA | $80,000 |
| NORRIS BROS. EXCAVATING LLC | MAYNARDVILLE, TN | $70,000 |
| QUALITY 1ST BASEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. | CATONSVILLE, MD | $49,500 |
| BOSTON WATERPROOFING & CONSTRUCTION CORP. | ARLINGTON, MA | $48,393 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.21.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.21(b) Employer responsibility 1,520 citations
- 1926.21(b)(2) 1,503 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What training does every construction worker need?
Instruction in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and in the regulations that apply to their work environment.
What about workers who use harmful chemicals?
They must be instructed in safe handling and use, made aware of the hazards, personal hygiene, and the protective measures required.
Does the rule cover harmful plants and animals?
Yes. Workers who may be exposed must be told about the hazards, how to avoid injury, and the first aid to use if injured.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.21 (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.