1926.502(d)(15): Anchorage Strength: 5,000 Pounds
Fall arrest anchorages must be independent of anchorages that support or suspend platforms and hold at least 5,000 pounds per worker attached, or be designed as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two under a qualified person's supervision.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)
(15) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows:
507 citations(i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and
Open (d)(15)(i) 11 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Injuries linked to this rule
8 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.502(d)(15), including 8 deaths.
An employee was carrying metal panel siding to a balcony for installation. The employee lost his step and fell approximately 10 feet to the next balcony, resulting in fatal head injuries.
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 | 26 |
| 2024 | 170 |
| 2025 | 197 |
| 2026 | 114 |
Top states: IL (89), MD (63), MA (44), OR (35), NY (24)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BCG GLASS INDUSTRY INC. | FLUSHING, NY | $115,860 |
| GREATER BOSTON ROOFING CORP | WESTFORD, MA | $32,262 |
| AMERICAN WAY G & R CONSTRUCTION INC. | WOONSOCKET, RI | $22,697 |
| SCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORPORATION | LOUDONVILLE, NY | $16,550 |
| LITHKO CONTRACTING, LLC | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $16,550 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall protection requirements for employees working on an elevator car frame. (2010-03-02)
- Whether a manufacturer-stipulated minimum anchor point elevation of 18 feet precludes the use of a shock absorbing lanyard in an aerial lift. (2009-01-14)
- Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. (2004-03-04)
- Applicability of the steel erection standard to repair and installation of metal roofing and roofing accessories. (2002-11-08)
- GFCI and coverplate requirements in construction;use of fall arrest systems and scaffolding. (1999-10-14)
- Reinforcing steel (rebar) assemblies: questions regarding fall protection and training. (1999-03-09)
- Fall protection anchorage points: guardrail systems and cranes (1998-06-08)
- Scaffolds may serve as fall arrest anchorages. (1998-04-02)
- Requirements for PRCS attendants; Fall arrest system anchorage point (1995-08-25)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(d) Personal fall arrest systems 2,011 citations
- 1926.502(d)(17) 560 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16) 326 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) 277 citations
- 1926.502(d)(21) 136 citations
- 1926.502(d)(6) 128 citations
- 1926.502(d)(6)(i) 111 citations
- 1926.502(d)(15)(ii) 55 citations
- 1926.502(d)(11) 44 citations
- 1926.502(d)(8) 17 citations
- 1926.502(d)(1) 17 citations
- 1926.502(d)(9) 14 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.