1926.502(a): Install Fall Protection Before Work Starts
Fall protection systems must meet the criteria in this section, and employers must provide and install them before an employee starts the work that requires them.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(a)
(a) General.
89 citations(1) Fall protection systems required by this part shall comply with the applicable provisions of this section.
1 citations(2) Employers shall provide and install all fall protection systems required by this subpart for an employee, and shall comply with all other pertinent requirements of this subpart before that employee begins the work that necessitates the fall protection.
Open (a)(2) 88 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: VA (41), OH (13), GA (7), PR (4), TX (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BONILLA CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | WEST CHESTER, OH | $24,842 |
| SUNPOWER INC. | WESTERVILLE, OH | $16,550 |
| BLATTNER ENERGY, LLC | ENID, OK | $16,550 |
| ROAD CONTRACTOR CORP | ALLENTOWN, PA | $16,131 |
| LESTER GUADRON | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $15,375 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall protection anchorage points: guardrail systems and cranes (1998-06-08)
- Open notch in the plywood of scaffold planks. (1978-06-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(a)(2) 88 citations
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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 2026-10-18. 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.