1926.758(h): Purlins as Walking Surfaces
Purlins may only be used as a walking/working surface when installing safety systems, after all permanent bridging has been installed and fall protection is provided.
Key takeaways
- 1926.758(h) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $17,000 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 1926.758(h) is one requirement inside 1926.758 Systems-engineered metal buildings, 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
(h) Purlins may only be used as a walking/working surface when installing safety systems, after all permanent bridging has been installed and fall protection is provided. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.758.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.758(h).
At 12:20 p.m. on November 5, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a structural steel contractor. Employee #1 walked approximately 12 feet along two metal purlins. Employee #1, who had disconnected his lifeline, slipped, and fell approximately 12 feet to the concrete slab below. Employee…
Where and how often it was cited
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Frequently asked questions
When can purlins be walked on?
Only when installing safety systems, after all permanent bridging is installed and fall protection is provided.
Must bridging be installed first?
Yes, all permanent bridging must be installed.
Is fall protection required?
Yes, fall protection must be provided.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.758 (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.