1926.502(b)(2): Midrails and Intermediate Members
Unless a wall or parapet at least 21 inches high is present, guardrails need midrails, screens, mesh or other intermediate members. Midrails go halfway up, and balusters or other openings can be no more than 19 inches apart.
Key takeaways
- 1926.502(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 123 times in the last 3 years, in 123 inspections, with $218,263 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (15), OR (14), TN (12).
- Related part: 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems (360 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.502(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high. 123 citations
(i) Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level. Open (b)(2)(i) 23 citations
(ii) Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
(iii) Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. 8 citations
(iv) Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
Export the list: 123 inspections cited 1926.502(b)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.502(b)(2).
At 4:30 p.m. on April 9, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a construction company, was leaning against a guardrail on the 3rd level balcony of an apartment building. The guardrail failed, and the employee fell to the ground. The employee sustained internal injuries, including fractured…
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Top states: MI (15), OR (14), TN (12), MD (10), KY (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MILCON CONTRACTING OF CAPE COD INC. | PINE ISLAND, NY | $11,585 |
| PULTE HOMES OF NJ | UNION, NJ | $11,250 |
| URX2025XJW184X0145 - STEHL CORPORATION | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $10,372 |
| 317744726 - FIVE STAR BUILDERS INC | GASTON, OR | $8,745 |
| BUDROVICH CONTRACTING CO. | SPRINGFIELD, IL | $7,813 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.502(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems 360 citations
- 1926.502(b)(1) 109 citations
- 1926.502(b)(3) 59 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2)(i) 23 citations
- 1926.502(b)(13) 18 citations
- 1926.502(b)(9) 14 citations
- 1926.502(b)(6) 12 citations
- 1926.502(b)(4) 6 citations
- 1926.502(b)(10) 3 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.502 (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 2026-11-07
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.