1926.651(l): Walkways and Guardrails Over Excavations
Employers must provide walkways where employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over excavations. Guardrails that meet 1926.502(b) must be provided where walkways are 6 feet or more above lower levels.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(l) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $44,342 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), PA (2), MD (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(l) 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
(l) Walkways shall be provided where employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over excavations. Guardrails which comply with § 1926.502(b) shall be provided where walkways are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels. 15 citations
[54 FR 45959, Oct. 31, 1989, as amended at 59 FR 40730, Aug. 9, 1994]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), PA (2), MD (2), NV (2), KS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $11,585 |
| MAURO SEWER CONSTRUCTION, INC. | WILMETTE, IL | $8,000 |
| KARLSRUHER, INC. | EL PASO, TX | $7,500 |
| PINECREST CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CO. | RENO, NV | $4,333 |
| BONANNO CONCRETE INC | RENO, NV | $3,256 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(l), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall protection requirements where employees are required or permitted to cross over excavations. (1995-08-10)
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Frequently asked questions
When is a walkway required over an excavation?
Where employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over an excavation.
When do excavation walkways need guardrails?
Where the walkway is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels.
What standard must the guardrails meet?
1926.502(b).
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.