1926.759: Falling Object Protection in Steel Erection
All materials, equipment and tools aloft that are not in use must be secured against accidental displacement. The controlling contractor must bar other construction processes below steel erection unless overhead protection is provided for the employees below.
Key takeaways
- 1926.759 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- Most-cited part: 1926.759(b) Protection from falling objects other than materials being hoisted.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.759, "Falling object protection", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 2 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 1926.759 (2 paragraphs)
(a) Securing loose items aloft. All materials, equipment, and tools, which are not in use while aloft, shall be secured against accidental displacement.
(b) Protection from falling objects other than materials being hoisted. The controlling contractor shall bar other construction processes below steel erection unless overhead protection for the employees below is provided. Open (b)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.759, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 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
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done with tools not in use aloft?
All materials, equipment and tools not in use while aloft must be secured against accidental displacement.
Can other trades work below steel erection?
Only if overhead protection is provided for the employees below; otherwise the controlling contractor must bar those processes.
Who must keep other work out from below steel erection?
The controlling contractor.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.759 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.