1926.251(e)(8)(iii): Removing Damaged Synthetic Web Slings
Employers must immediately remove synthetic web slings from service if they have snags, punctures, tears or cuts.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $18,112 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), GU (2), KS (2).
- Related part: 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing (39 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(e)(8)(iii) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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
(iii) Snags, punctures, tears or cuts; 17 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(e)(8)(iii).
At 3:00 p.m. on December 19, 2024, Employee #1 was sitting on a trailer where heavy equipment was loaded onto the trailer bed. While seated, a steel guard from an excavation trencher slipped off a counterweight and struck him in the head. Employee #1 sustained…
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TX (4), GU (2), KS (2), OH (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BRADLEY FRAMING LLC. | CINCINNATI, OH | $4,965 |
| CARLTON STRUCTURAL SERVICES CORP. | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ | $4,965 |
| A-G-E CORPORATION | PICKSTOWN, SD | $4,635 |
| GARCIA FRAMING LLC | LENEXA, KS | $3,547 |
| CITY OF SYRACUSE WATER DEPT | SYRACUSE, NY | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(e)(8)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(e)(8)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing 39 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8) Removal from service 27 citations
- 1926.251(e)(4)(ii) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(4) Fittings 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(ii) 2 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
Can a synthetic web sling with a small cut still be used?
No. Snags, punctures, tears or cuts are conditions that require removal from service.
Does a snag count as damage?
Yes. Snags are listed along with punctures, tears and cuts.
Which slings does this apply to?
Synthetic web slings under 1926.251.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.251 (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.