1926.761: Steel Erection Training
Employers must have qualified persons provide steel erection training and must train each worker exposed to a fall hazard, ensuring they take part. Training covers fall hazard recognition, fall protection systems and their setup and inspection, preventing falls through holes, and subpart rules, plus special training for multiple lift rigging and connectors.
Key takeaways
- 1926.761 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 100 times in the last 3 years, in 100 inspections, with $273,790 in current penalties.
- 6 injury cases came from inspections that cited this rule, including 5 deaths.
- Most citations: TX (12), FL (7), SD (7).
- Most-cited part: 1926.761(b) Fall hazard training (86 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.761, "Training", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 17 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 1926.761 (17 paragraphs)
The following provisions supplement the requirements of § 1926.21 regarding the hazards addressed in this subpart.
(a) Training personnel. Training required by this section shall be provided by a qualified person(s). 2 citations
(b) Fall hazard training. The employer shall train each employee exposed to a fall hazard in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. The program shall include training and instruction in the following areas: Open (b) 86 citations
(1) The recognition and identification of fall hazards in the work area;
(2) The use and operation of guardrail systems (including perimeter safety cable systems), personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, fall restraint systems, safety net systems, and other protection to be used;
(3) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used;
(4) The procedures to be followed to prevent falls to lower levels and through or into holes and openings in walking/working surfaces and walls; and
(5) The fall protection requirements of this subpart.
(c) Special training programs. In addition to the training required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the employer shall provide special training to employees engaged in the following activities. Open (c) 12 citations
(1) Multiple lift rigging procedure. The employer shall ensure that each employee who performs multiple lift rigging has been provided training in the following areas:
(i) The nature of the hazards associated with multiple lifts; and
(ii) The proper procedures and equipment to perform multiple lifts required by § 1926.753(e).
(2) Connector procedures. The employer shall ensure that each connector has been provided training in the following areas: Open (c)(2) 7 citations
(i) The nature of the hazards associated with connecting; and Open (c)(2)(i) 3 citations
(ii) The establishment, access, proper connecting techniques and work practices required by § 1926.756(c) and § 1926.760(b). 1 citations
(3) Controlled Decking Zone Procedures. Where CDZs are being used, the employer shall assure that each employee has been provided training in the following areas: 5 citations
(i) The nature of the hazards associated with work within a controlled decking zone; and
(ii) The establishment, access, proper installation techniques and work practices required by § 1926.760(c) and § 1926.754(e). 1 citations
[66 FR 5265, Jan. 18, 2001, as amended at 73 FR 75589, Dec. 12, 2008; 85 FR 8745, Feb. 18, 2020]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 100 inspections cited 1926.761 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
6 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.761, including 5 deaths.
At 12:00 p.m. on January 3, 2025, Employee #1 and coworkers had removed a large section of a metal roof to repair support structures, add insulation, and install new roofing material. After helping add a channel to the structure, Employee #1 climbed on the roof…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: TX (12), FL (7), SD (7), KY (7), TN (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RFX2026XVM508X0086 - CRESTWOOD GENERAL CONTRACTING, LLC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $16,550 |
| STAGE FX INC. | ORLANDO, FL | $14,895 |
| TOP FLIGHT STEEL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $14,518 |
| RFX2026XJL680X0057 - FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO. DBA FISHER INDUSTRIES | ELOY, AZ | $13,240 |
| BIG D BUILDERS, INC. | BOISE, ID | $12,421 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.761.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.761(b) Fall hazard training 86 citations
- 1926.761(c) Special training programs 12 citations
- 1926.761(c)(2) Connector procedures 7 citations
- 1926.761(c)(2)(i) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must provide steel erection training?
A qualified person or persons.
Who needs fall hazard training?
Each employee exposed to a fall hazard.
Who needs special training?
Employees doing multiple lift rigging and connectors, among others listed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.761 (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 2026-11-06
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.
