1926.652(g)(1)(iii): Cave-In Protection Entering and Exiting Shields
Employees must be protected from cave-ins when entering or exiting areas protected by trench shields.
Key takeaways
- 1926.652(g)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 44 times in the last 3 years, in 44 inspections, with $272,718 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), KY (4), GA (4).
- Related part: 1926.652(g) Shield systems (137 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.652(g)(1)(iii) 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
(iii) Employees shall be protected from the hazard of cave-ins when entering or exiting the areas protected by shields. 44 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: OH (5), KY (4), GA (4), TX (4), ND (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PYLES PLUMBING AND UTILITY CONTRACTORS, INC. | PERRY, GA | $79,048 |
| GEORGE & LYNCH, INC. | MILLSBORO, DE | $26,811 |
| JOHN W. GLEIM JR. INC | SHIPPENSBURG, PA | $16,550 |
| CPX2024XJR339X0051 - HORIZONTAL BORING LLC | MESA, AZ | $16,134 |
| HURTADO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | FULSHEAR, TX | $15,970 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.652(g)(1)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.652(g)(1)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.652(g) Shield systems 137 citations
- 1926.652(g)(1) General 99 citations
- 1926.652(g)(1)(ii) 50 citations
- 1926.652(g)(2) Additional requirement for shield systems used in trench excavations 38 citations
- 1926.652(g)(1)(iv) 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
When must workers be protected around trench shields?
When entering or exiting the areas protected by shields.
What hazard does this rule address?
The hazard of cave-ins.
Does the shield protect you while climbing in or out?
Workers must be protected from cave-ins while entering or exiting, not just while inside.
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.