1926.503(a)(2)(iii): Training on Each Fall Protection System
Training must cover the use and operation of guardrails, personal fall arrest, safety nets, warning lines, safety monitoring, controlled access zones and any other protection used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.503(a)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 50 times in the last 3 years, in 50 inspections, with $149,943 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (7), TX (5), ID (5).
- Related part: 1926.503(a) Training program (5,467 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.503(a)(2)(iii) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(iii) is one requirement inside 1926.503 Training requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). 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
(iii) The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used; 50 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.503.
Export the list: 50 inspections cited 1926.503(a)(2)(iii) 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 1926.503(a)(2)(iii).
At 5:00 p.m. on January 20, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a roofer for a roofing contractor and was working on the roof of a residential residence. Employee #1 was removing shingles in preparation for installing new shingles. Employee #1 fell from the roof…
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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: WI (7), TX (5), ID (5), MA (4), FL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UNITED CONTRACTORS MIDWEST, INC. | SHERMAN, IL | $16,550 |
| AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD INC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $16,131 |
| CMR CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING, LLC | FORT MYERS, FL | $11,585 |
| DONOVAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PEORIA, IL | $11,500 |
| ROOFING PROFESSIONALS. LLC | SAVANNAH, GA | $8,276 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.503(a)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.503(a)(2)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.503(a) Training program 5,467 citations
- 1926.503(a)(1) 5,104 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2) 363 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(ii) 52 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(vii) 5 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(iv) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.503 (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.
