1926.605(b)(2): Ramp or Walkway to Barges
Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge or river towboat, the employer must provide either a ramp meeting paragraph (b)(1) or a safe walkway.
Key takeaways
- 1926.605(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $24,871 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.605(b) Access to barges (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.605(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.605 Marine operations and equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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) Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat, either a ramp, meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or a safe walkway, shall be provided. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.605.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.605(b)(2).
At 2:15 p.m. on March 8, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborer fora retaining walls contractor was working on a crew that had just prepared a site. The crew was getting ready to drive their first 6-inch by 6-inch by 30-foot-long beam into…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.605(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.605(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.605(b) Access to barges 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must a ramp or walkway be provided?
Whenever employees cannot step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat.
What kind of ramp is acceptable?
A ramp that meets 1926.605(b)(1): adequate strength, side boards, well maintained and properly secured.
Is a walkway an option instead of a ramp?
Yes. The rule allows either a qualifying ramp or a safe walkway.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.605 (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.