1926.651(i)(1): Support Nearby Structures During Excavation
Where excavation work endangers the stability of adjoining buildings, walls or other structures, employers must provide support systems such as shoring, bracing or underpinning to keep the structures stable and protect workers.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(i)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $478,644 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (5), VA (3), MA (2).
- Related part: 1926.651(i) Stability of adjacent structures (117 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(i)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). 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) Where the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations, support systems such as shoring, bracing, or underpinning shall be provided to ensure the stability of such structures for the protection of employees. 32 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(i)(1).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: NY (5), VA (3), MA (2), AZ (2), MN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| W.G. NY CONSTRUCTION CORP. | BROOKLYN, NY | $115,860 |
| ALECKSSANDRO TOMAZ PEREIRA | HANSON, MA | $104,860 |
| JAB INDUSTRIES, INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $72,826 |
| TRYCON CONCRETE, INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $51,774 |
| AN CONCRETE & MUCH MORE LLC | WASHINGTON, DC | $12,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(i)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 29 CFR 1926.651(i)(1); excavation operations. (2006-01-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(i) Stability of adjacent structures 117 citations
- 1926.651(i)(3) 75 citations
- 1926.651(i)(2) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When is support for nearby structures required?
When the stability of adjoining buildings, walls or other structures is endangered by excavation operations.
What support systems are named?
Shoring, bracing or underpinning.
Who is being protected?
Employees, by keeping the structures stable.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (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.