1926.652(d)(1): Protective System Materials Free of Damage
Employers must make sure materials and equipment used for excavation protective systems are free from damage or defects that might impair their proper function.
Key takeaways
- 1926.652(d)(1) 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 $88,832 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (2), WI (2), GA (1).
- Related part: 1926.652(d) Materials and equipment (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.652(d)(1) 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
(1) Materials and equipment used for protective systems shall be free from damage or defects that might impair their proper function. 15 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TX (2), WI (2), GA (1), DE (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BLUE STAR UTILITIES, LLC | ANNA, TX | $24,842 |
| REVOLI CONSTRUCTION CO., INC | SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA | $16,550 |
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $12,744 |
| CPX2026XJW184X0206 - B & F CONTRACTING, INC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $9,457 |
| GLH CONSTRUCTION, LLC | AULT, CO | $8,415 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.652(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.652(d)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.652(d) Materials and equipment 40 citations
- 1926.652(d)(2) 20 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 condition must trench boxes and shoring be in?
Free from damage or defects that might impair their proper function.
Does this apply to all protective system materials?
Yes. It covers materials and equipment used for protective systems.
What should I do if a shield is bent or cracked?
Report it, because damaged materials must not be used if the damage might impair their function.
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.