1926.757(e): Landing and placing loads
Key takeaways
- 1926.757(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $155,245 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.757(e)(4) (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.757(e) ("Landing and placing loads") is one requirement inside 1926.757 Open web steel joists, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 11 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
(e) Landing and placing loads. 4 citations
(1) During the construction period, the employer placing a load on steel joists shall ensure that the load is distributed so as not to exceed the carrying capacity of any steel joist.
(2) Except for paragraph (e)(4) of this section, no construction loads are allowed on the steel joists until all bridging is installed and anchored and all joist-bearing ends are attached.
(3) The weight of a bundle of joist bridging shall not exceed a total of 1,000 pounds (454 kg). A bundle of joist bridging shall be placed on a minimum of three steel joists that are secured at one end. The edge of the bridging bundle shall be positioned within 1 foot (.30 m) of the secured end.
(4) No bundle of decking may be placed on steel joists until all bridging has been installed and anchored and all joist bearing ends attached, unless all of the following conditions are met: Open (e)(4) 2 citations
(i) The employer has first determined from a qualified person and documented in a site-specific erection plan that the structure or portion of the structure is capable of supporting the load;
(ii) The bundle of decking is placed on a minimum of three steel joists;
(iii) The joists supporting the bundle of decking are attached at both ends;
(iv) At least one row of bridging is installed and anchored;
(v) The total weight of the bundle of decking does not exceed 4,000 pounds (1816 kg); and
(vi) Placement of the bundle of decking shall be in accordance with paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
(5) The edge of the construction load shall be placed within 1 foot (.30 m) of the bearing surface of the joist end. 2 citations
[66 FR 5265, Jan. 18, 2001, as amended at 85 FR 8745, Feb. 18, 2020]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.757.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.757(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicability of the steel erection standard to repair and installation of metal roofing and roofing accessories. (2002-11-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.757(e)(4) 2 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.757 (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.