1926.760(b): Fall Protection for Steel Connectors
Each steel erection connector must be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m) above a lower level, whichever is less, and must have completed connector training under 1926.761. At heights over 15 and up to 30 feet, connectors must be provided with a personal fall arrest, positioning device or fall restraint system and wear the equipment needed to tie off, or be given other fall protection under paragraph (a)(1).
Key takeaways
- 1926.760(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $83,612 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (3), GA (3), MO (2).
- Related part: 1926.760(b)(3) (11 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.760(b) ("Connectors") is one requirement inside 1926.760 Fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 3 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
(b) Connectors. Each connector shall: 16 citations
(1) Be protected in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m) above a lower level, whichever is less; Open (b)(1) 3 citations
(2) Have completed connector training in accordance with § 1926.761; and 1 citations
(3) Be provided, at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level, with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system and wear the equipment necessary to be able to be tied off; or be provided with other means of protection from fall hazards in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Open (b)(3) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.760.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NJ (3), GA (3), MO (2), UT (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BANDINI CONSTRUCTION, LLC | ROME, GA | $16,550 |
| ACCENT FENCE INC. | EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ | $11,292 |
| ARC INDUSTRIES LLC | GUYTON, GA | $8,873 |
| MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL STEEL SERVICES, INC. | JOLIET, IL | $7,500 |
| FPL FABRICATORS & ERECTORS GROUP LLC | BELLEVILLE, NJ | $6,452 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.760(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluation if moving point-to-point on concrete wall to make initial connections of structural steel is "connecting" work; landing loads on systems-engineered metal building. (2005-04-05)
- Use of fall protection by deaf employees performing steel erection activities. (2004-08-03)
- OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements;they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. (2003-04-09)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.760(b)(3) 11 citations
- 1926.760(b)(1) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When must a connector have fall protection?
For fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9.1 m) above a lower level, whichever is less.
What training does a connector need?
Connector training in accordance with 1926.761.
What is required between 15 and 30 feet?
At heights over 15 and up to 30 feet, connectors must be provided with a personal fall arrest, positioning device or fall restraint system and wear the equipment needed to be able to tie off, or have other fall protection under paragraph (a)(1).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.760 (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.