1926.752: Site Layout and Approval for Steel Erection
Before steel erection begins, the controlling contractor must give the steel erector written notice that concrete or mortar has reached 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or enough to support erection loads, and that anchor bolt repairs followed 1926.755(b). The controlling contractor must also provide adequate access roads and a firm, graded, drained storage and work area.
Key takeaways
- 1926.752 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $70,585 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MN (2), MI (2), VA (1).
- Most-cited part: 1926.752(c) Site layout (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.752, "Site layout, site-specific erection plan and construction sequence", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 9 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.752 (9 paragraphs)
(a) Approval to begin steel erection. Before authorizing the commencement of steel erection, the controlling contractor shall ensure that the steel erector is provided with the following written notifications: Open (a) 2 citations
(1) The concrete in the footings, piers and walls and the mortar in the masonry piers and walls has attained, on the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples, either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection. Open (a)(1)
(2) Any repairs, replacements and modifications to the anchor bolts were conducted in accordance with § 1926.755(b). Open (a)(2)
(b) Commencement of steel erection. A steel erection contractor shall not erect steel unless it has received written notification that the concrete in the footings, piers and walls or the mortar in the masonry piers and walls has attained, on the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples, either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection. Open (b) 2 citations
(c) Site layout. The controlling contractor shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained: Open (c) 2 citations
(1) Adequate access roads into and through the site for the safe delivery and movement of derricks, cranes, trucks, other necessary equipment, and the material to be erected and means and methods for pedestrian and vehicular control. Exception: this requirement does not apply to roads outside of the construction site.
(2) A firm, properly graded, drained area, readily accessible to the work with adequate space for the safe storage of materials and the safe operation of the erector's equipment. 2 citations
(d) Pre-planning of overhead hoisting operations. All hoisting operations in steel erection shall be pre-planned to ensure that the requirements of § 1926.753(d) are met. Open (d) 2 citations
(e) Site-specific erection plan. Where employers elect, due to conditions specific to the site, to develop alternate means and methods that provide employee protection in accordance with § 1926.753(c)(5), § 1926.757(a)(4) or § 1926.757(e)(4), a site-specific erection plan shall be developed by a qualified person and be available at the work site. Guidelines for establishing a site-specific erection plan are contained in appendix A to this subpart. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.752.
At 1:57 p.m. on November 20, 2024, an employee of Linco Fab Inc was working fromthe ground when a steel column measuring 26 feet long, 14 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep fell on the employee. The column was anchored by two bolts. The employee…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MN (2), MI (2), VA (1), ID (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 108431 - HAGE - CO INC DBA HAGE HOMES | HUGO, MN | $25,000 |
| 160820 - KEVIN K JACOBS GENERAL CONTRACTING INC | PEMBROKE, NC | $16,550 |
| BIG D BUILDERS, INC. | BOISE, ID | $12,421 |
| RAW WELDING INC. | FALMOUTH, MA | $4,965 |
| 108429 - LINCO FAB INC | HUGO, MN | $4,200 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.752, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether the notification required in §1926.752(a)(1) (attained concrete strength) must be given where steel will be erected on a long-existed concrete slab. (2006-03-10)
- Notification requirements for concrete compressive strength and anchor bolt modifications. (2005-12-23)
- Requirements for compressive-strength testing of concrete and mortar in a masonry wall during steel erection. (2004-08-23)
- Steel erection columns must be anchored by 4 rods and meet 300-lb strength criteria. (2004-05-27)
- Field-cured concrete sample cylinders must be subjected to similar conditions as the footings/walls; acceptable use of the Windsor Probe/Pin testing method. (2003-10-27)
- Written notification of ASTM strength test for mortar in masonry piers/walls prior to steel erection. (2003-05-21)
- Mortar testing requirements and controlling contractor responsibilities under the Steel Erection Standard (2002-12-27)
- Steel erection concrete testing requirements and number of samples required to be taken (2002-11-19)
- Clarification of "Controlling Contractor" duties under the Steel Erection Standard (1926 Subpart R) (2002-01-30)
- Decision to release the new compliance directive for the steel erection standard in draft form. (2001-12-21)
- History and background of the Steel Erection Final Rule. (2001-09-27)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.752(c) Site layout 2 citations
- 1926.752(d) Pre-planning of overhead hoisting operations 2 citations
- 1926.752(a) Approval to begin steel erection 2 citations
- 1926.752(b) Commencement of steel erection 2 citations
- 1926.752(a)(1)
- 1926.752(a)(2)
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
Can steel erection start without written notice?
No. The steel erector must not erect steel unless it has received written notification about concrete or mortar strength.
What strength is required?
Either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support erection loads, by an appropriate ASTM test of field-cured samples.
Who provides access roads?
The controlling contractor.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.752 (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.