1926.34(b): Exit Signs in Construction
Construction employers must mark exits with readily visible signs. Access to exits must also be marked with readily visible signs wherever the exit or the way to reach it is not immediately visible.
Key takeaways
- 1926.34(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 33 inspections, with $38,276 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (11), VA (10), NY (3).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.34(b) ("Exit marking") is one requirement inside 1926.34 Means of egress, 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
(b) Exit marking. Exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not immediately visible to the occupants. 33 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.34.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: MA (11), VA (10), NY (3), PA (2), NV (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DOBCO, INC. | DOVER AFB, DE | $8,511 |
| M.B. KAHN CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | SUFFOLK, VA | $6,439 |
| INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. | ALLENTOWN, PA | $4,666 |
| 68519 - GALUSHA CONTRACTING LLC | CLAY, KY | $3,360 |
| E. T. GRESHAM COMPANY INC | GLOUCESTER, VA | $2,146 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.34(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.34(b).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Must exits be marked on construction sites?
Yes. Exits must be marked by a readily visible sign.
When must the path to an exit be marked?
Whenever the exit or the way to reach it is not immediately visible to occupants.
What kind of sign is needed?
A readily visible sign.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.34 (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.