1926.503(c)(2): Retraining When Fall Protection Changes
Employers must retrain employees when changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used make previous training obsolete.
Key takeaways
- 1926.503(c)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $2,128 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.503(c) Retraining (375 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.503(c)(2) 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
(2) Changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used render previous training obsolete; or 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.503.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1926.503(c)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.503(c)(2).
At 5:00 p.m. on February 16, 2024, Employee #1 was working for a highway/street construction contractor. Employee #1 was using a portable grinder to cut a hanger on a pipe attached to the bottom of the bridge. It appears that when the hanger was cut…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.503(c)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.503(c) Retraining 375 citations
- 1926.503(c)(3) 309 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is fall protection retraining required?
When changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment make previous training obsolete.
Is this the only reason to retrain?
No, this is one of several listed situations.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
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.