1926.651(j)(1): Protection From Loose Rock or Soil in Excavations
Employers must give workers adequate protection from loose rock or soil that could fall or roll from an excavation face. Protection can be scaling to remove loose material, protective barricades placed as needed on the face to stop and contain falling material, or other means that protect just as well.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(j)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 88 times in the last 3 years, in 88 inspections, with $434,887 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (10), PA (8), CO (6).
- Related part: 1926.651(j) Protection of employees from loose rock or soil (661 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(j)(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) Adequate protection shall be provided to protect employees from loose rock or soil that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling from an excavation face. Such protection shall consist of scaling to remove loose material; installation of protective barricades at intervals as necessary on the face to stop and contain falling material; or other means that provide equivalent protection. 88 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: TX (10), PA (8), CO (6), AR (5), FL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FABRIZI TRUCKING & PAVING CO. | PARMA, OH | $25,000 |
| NICHOLS NURSERY, INC | MAGNOLIA, DE | $23,954 |
| J.A. POLITO & SONS, INC | SHREWSBURY, MA | $19,356 |
| JOHN W. GLEIM JR. INC | SHIPPENSBURG, PA | $16,550 |
| KAJACS CONTRACTORS, INC. | SCOTT, AR | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(j)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.651(j)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(j) Protection of employees from loose rock or soil 661 citations
- 1926.651(j)(2) 573 citations
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
What hazard does 1926.651(j)(1) address?
Loose rock or soil that could fall or roll from an excavation face onto workers.
What are acceptable ways to protect workers?
Scaling to remove loose material, protective barricades on the face, or other means that provide equivalent protection.
Where must barricades be placed?
At intervals as necessary on the face to stop and contain falling material.
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.