1926.652(c)(2)(i): Following Manufacturer Data for Trench Protection
When trench supports, shields or other protective systems are designed from a manufacturer's tabulated data, they must follow all of the manufacturer's specifications, recommendations and limitations.
Key takeaways
- 1926.652(c)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 43 times in the last 3 years, in 43 inspections, with $308,280 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (10), ND (5), TX (4).
- Related part: 1926.652(c) Design of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems (142 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.652(c)(2)(i) 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
(i) Design of support systems, shield systems, or other protective systems that are drawn from manufacturer's tabulated data shall be in accordance with all specifications, recommendations, and limitations issued or made by the manufacturer. 43 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.652.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.652(c)(2)(i).
At 11:23 a.m. on September 24, 2024, Employee #1 was working inside a precast concrete manhole section that had been previously installed in an excavation. A second precast concrete manhole section, suspended above by rigging, came loose and fell approximately 9 feet. The falling load…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: IL (10), ND (5), TX (4), AZ (4), GA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PYLES PLUMBING AND UTILITY CONTRACTORS, INC. | PERRY, GA | $112,926 |
| CPX2026XJW184X0206 - B & F CONTRACTING, INC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $16,550 |
| CATTS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CLEVELAND, OH | $16,385 |
| TIC - THE INDUSTRIAL COMPANY | SAVANNAH, GA | $13,714 |
| RFX2026XJW184X0193 - MCCAIN CONSTRUCTION LLC | SURPRISE, AZ | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.652(c)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.652(c)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.652(c) Design of support systems, shield systems, and other protective systems 142 citations
- 1926.652(c)(2) Option (2)—Designs Using Manufacturer's Tabulated Data 79 citations
- 1926.652(c)(3) Option (3)—Designs using other tabulated data 28 citations
- 1926.652(c)(2)(iii) 27 citations
- 1926.652(c)(3)(iii) 23 citations
- 1926.652(c)(4) Option (4)—Design by a registered professional engineer 12 citations
- 1926.652(c)(1) Option (1)—Designs using appendices A, C and D 4 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 must protective systems based on manufacturer data follow?
All specifications, recommendations and limitations issued or made by the manufacturer.
Does this apply to trench shields?
Yes. It covers support systems, shield systems and other protective systems drawn from manufacturer's tabulated data.
Can the crew use the system beyond the manufacturer's limits?
No. The design must follow all of the manufacturer's limitations.
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.