1926.652(b)(2): Sloping and Benching Using Appendices A and B
Under this option, employers must determine maximum allowable slopes and allowable configurations for sloping and benching systems according to the conditions and requirements in Appendices A and B to the excavation rules.
Key takeaways
- 1926.652(b)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $149,262 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (5), SD (3), CO (2).
- Related part: 1926.652(b) Design of sloping and benching systems (114 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.652(b)(2) ("Option (2)—Determination of slopes and configurations using Appendices A and B") is one requirement inside 1926.652 Requirements for protective systems, 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
(2) Option (2)—Determination of slopes and configurations using Appendices A and B. Maximum allowable slopes, and allowable configurations for sloping and benching systems, shall be determined in accordance with the conditions and requirements set forth in appendices A and B to this subpart. 28 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.652.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: TX (5), SD (3), CO (2), KY (2), NY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JSC SERVICES, LLC | IOWA COLONY, TX | $16,550 |
| TRIPLE B SERVICES LLP | TOMBALL, TX | $13,483 |
| W.W. CLYDE & CO. | THORNTON, CO | $11,585 |
| DIGGIT EXCAVATING, INC. | LEBANON, OH | $11,292 |
| CPX2024XJW184X0064 - CHOLLA CIVIL CONSTRUCTION, LLC | PHOENIX, AZ | $8,067 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.652(b) Design of sloping and benching systems 114 citations
- 1926.652(b)(3) Option (3)—Designs using other tabulated data 19 citations
- 1926.652(b)(1) Option (1)—Allowable configurations and slopes 19 citations
- 1926.652(b)(3)(iii) 15 citations
- 1926.652(b)(1)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.652(b)(4) Option (4)—Design by a registered professional engineer 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Where do slope limits come from under Option 2?
From the conditions and requirements in appendices A and B to subpart P.
What does Option 2 cover?
Maximum allowable slopes and allowable configurations for sloping and benching systems.
Is this the only sloping option?
No. It is Option (2) of the sloping and benching options in 1926.652(b).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.652 (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.