1926.503(b): Written Training Certification
Employers must prove fall protection training with a written certification record showing each worker's name, the training date(s), and the trainer's or employer's signature, and must keep the latest one.
Key takeaways
- 1926.503(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 3,437 times in the last 3 years, in 3,437 inspections, with $1,358,118 in current penalties.
- 27 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (949), NC (436), IL (416).
- Related part: 1926.503(b)(1) (3,420 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.503(b) ("Certification of training") is one requirement inside 1926.503 Training requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). It includes 2 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
(b) Certification of training. 3,437 citations
(1) The employer shall verify compliance with paragraph (a) of this section by preparing a written certification record. The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the employer determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date of actual training. Open (b)(1) 3,420 citations
(2) The latest training certification shall be maintained. Open (b)(2) 17 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.503.
Export the list: 3,437 inspections cited 1926.503(b) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
27 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.503(b).
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 | 142 |
| 2024 | 1,252 |
| 2025 | 1,254 |
| 2026 | 789 |
Top states: MD (949), NC (436), IL (416), FL (240), WI (185)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JOJO'S ROOFING | JUNEAU, AK | $36,413 |
| EM CUSTOM HOMES, INC. | ELGIN, IL | $21,281 |
| RAYMUNDO ABUNDES-MONTIEL D.B.A RAYMUNDO ABUNDES | CLARENDON HILLS, IL | $19,015 |
| JUAN CORDONA | EDISON, NJ | $17,286 |
| ORLIN COCHRAN | KETCHIKAN, AK | $16,550 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.503(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.503(b)(1) 3,420 citations
- 1926.503(b)(2) 17 citations
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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.