1926.602(a)(3): Safe Access Roadways, Grades and Runaway Ramps
Employers must not move construction equipment or vehicles on any access roadway or grade unless it is built and maintained to safely handle the equipment and vehicles. Every emergency access ramp and berm used must be built to restrain and control runaway vehicles.
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(a)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $47,949 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), VA (2), NJ (1).
- Related part: 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.602(a)(3) ("Access roadways and grades") is one requirement inside 1926.602 Material handling equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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
(3) Access roadways and grades. 10 citations
(i) No employer shall move or cause to be moved construction equipment or vehicles upon any access roadway or grade unless the access roadway or grade is constructed and maintained to accommodate safely the movement of the equipment and vehicles involved. Open (a)(3)(i) 10 citations
(ii) Every emergency access ramp and berm used by an employer shall be constructed to restrain and control runaway vehicles.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.602.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), VA (2), NJ (1), FL (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NEW YORK EXCAVATION, INC. | ARLINGTON, VA | $12,700 |
| BRIGHT COOP, INC | NACOGDOCHES, TX | $8,937 |
| ARS RESCUE ROOTER | COLUMBUS, OH | $7,905 |
| TIP TOP TREE SERVICE, INC. | DELRAY BEACH, FL | $4,839 |
| B & G CONTRACTING CORPORATION | SANDSTON, VA | $4,025 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.602(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General 75 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9) Audible alarms 56 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) 31 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9)(i) 25 citations
- 1926.602(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2)(i) 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2) Seat belts 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(4) Brakes 3 citations
- 1926.602(a)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.602(a)(6) Rollover protective structures (ROPS)
- 1926.602(a)(2)(ii)
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
Can equipment use any haul road on site?
Only if the access roadway or grade is constructed and maintained to accommodate safely the equipment and vehicles involved.
What must emergency access ramps and berms do?
They must be constructed to restrain and control runaway vehicles.
Who is responsible for road conditions?
The employer must not move equipment on a roadway or grade that is not built and maintained for it.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.602 (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.