1926.752(b): Concrete Strength Before Steel Erection
A steel erection contractor must not erect steel until it receives written notification that the concrete in footings, piers and walls, or mortar in masonry piers and walls, has reached either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or enough strength to support erection loads, based on an appropriate ASTM test of field-cured samples.
Key takeaways
- 1926.752(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $4,200 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.752(b) ("Commencement of steel erection") is one requirement inside 1926.752 Site layout, site-specific erection plan and construction sequence, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). 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
(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. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.752.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.752(b).
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
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Notification requirements for concrete compressive strength and anchor bolt modifications. (2005-12-23)
- Steel erection columns must be anchored by 4 rods and meet 300-lb strength criteria. (2004-05-27)
- Written notification of ASTM strength test for mortar in masonry piers/walls prior to steel erection. (2003-05-21)
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Frequently asked questions
What must the steel erector receive before starting?
Written notification that the concrete or mortar has attained the required strength.
What strength is required?
Either 75 percent of the intended minimum compressive design strength or sufficient strength to support the loads imposed during steel erection.
How is strength determined?
On the basis of an appropriate ASTM standard test method of field-cured samples.
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.