1926.500(a)(1): Construction Work Covered by Subpart M

In plain words:

Subpart M sets fall protection requirements for construction workplaces. It does not apply when employees are inspecting, investigating or assessing conditions before construction actually starts or after all construction work is finished.

Which construction fall protection subpart applies to each kind of work
Which fall protection rule applies. Not to scale; the official text controls.

Official text: 29 CFR 1926.500(a)(1)

(1) This subpart sets forth requirements and criteria for fall protection in construction workplaces covered under 29 CFR part 1926. Exception: The provisions of this subpart do not apply when employees are making an inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of construction work or after all construction work has been completed.

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.500.

Free toolbox talk for this rule

A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.500(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.




OSHA interpretation letters

Related parts of this rule

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.

About this page

Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of . 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.

Join The DojoTrain your crew on 1926.500(a)(1)
Desplácese hacia arriba