1926.706(a): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.706(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $11,498 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.706(a)(4).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.706(a) is one requirement inside 1926.706 Requirements for masonry construction, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Q). It includes 5 sub-paragraphs. 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
(a) A limited access zone shall be established whenever a masonry wall is being constructed. The limited access zone shall conform to the following. 2 citations
(1) The limited access zone shall be established prior to the start of construction of the wall. 1 citations
(2) The limited access zone shall be equal to the height of the wall to be constructed plus four feet, and shall run the entire length of the wall.
(3) The limited access zone shall be established on the side of the wall which will be unscaffolded.
(4) The limited access zone shall be restricted to entry by employees actively engaged in constructing the wall. No other employees shall be permitted to enter the zone. Open (a)(4)
(5) The limited access zone shall remain in place until the wall is adequately supported to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse unless the height of wall is over eight feet, in which case, the limited access zone shall remain in place until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section have been met.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.706.
Where and how often it was cited
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Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.706 (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.