1926.453(b)(2)(ii): Only Authorized Persons Operate Aerial Lifts
Employers must allow only authorized persons to operate an aerial lift.
Key takeaways
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $72,402 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (5), PR (3), DE (3).
- Related part: 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms (1,878 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) is one requirement inside 1926.453 Aerial lifts, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). 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
(ii) Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift. 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.453.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.453(b)(2)(ii).
At 9:00 a.m. on August 13, 2024, Employee #1 and a coworker were inside the basket of a Genie boom lift when Employee #1 made contact with an energized hot wire. Employee #1 sustained fatal injuries due to electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NJ (5), PR (3), DE (3), SC (2), MA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LOU RITENOUR DECORATORS INC | FAIRPORT HARBOR, OH | $11,916 |
| 67216 - DANCO CONSTRUCTION INC | OWENSBORO, KY | $6,300 |
| ABG AND BROTHER CONTRACTOR LLC | NEWARK, DE | $5,531 |
| TOWNSHIP OF LONG BEACH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ | $5,400 |
| MATEO PIEDRAS ROOFING LLC | GREAT BEND, KS | $4,839 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.453(b)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. (2001-05-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b) Specific requirements 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(v) 1,607 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iv) 212 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(viii) 12 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vi) 9 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vii) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iii) 1 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xii)
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xi)
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
Who can operate an aerial lift?
Only authorized persons.
Can any worker run the lift if they know how?
No. Only persons who are authorized may operate it.
Which rule covers this?
1926.453(b)(2)(ii) for aerial lifts in construction.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.453 (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.