1926.51(c)(1): Number of Toilets on Construction Sites
Employers must provide toilets for construction workers based on crew size: 1 facility for 20 or less workers; for 20 or more, 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers; and for 200 or more, 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers.
Key takeaways
- 1926.51(c)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $2,000 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MS (9), NC (1).
- Related part: 1926.51(c) Toilets at construction jobsites (12 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.51(c)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.51 Sanitation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). 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
(1) Toilets shall be provided for employees according to the following table: 10 citations
| Number of employees | Minimum number of facilities |
|---|---|
| 20 or less | 1. |
| 20 or more | 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers. |
| 200 or more | 1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers. |
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.51.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
Top states: MS (9), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ANDERCORP, LLC | MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS | $2,000 |
| JEM LLC | MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS | $0 |
| GLASS INC. | MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS | $0 |
| MISSISSIPPI SHEET METAL INC. | MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS | $0 |
| MOSES ELECTRIC, INC. | MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.51(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether toilets at a construction jobsite must be in a sanitary condition to meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.51(c). (2006-05-17)
- Providing employees with toilet facilities on a construction jobsite. (2005-02-23)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.51(c) Toilets at construction jobsites 12 citations
- 1926.51(c)(4)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How many toilets are needed for 20 workers or fewer?
At least 1.
What if there are 20 or more workers?
1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers.
What about 200 or more workers?
1 toilet seat and 1 urinal per 50 workers.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.51 (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 2026-10-20
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.