1926.761(b): Steel Erection Fall Hazard Training
Employers must train each steel erection employee exposed to a fall hazard and run a training program with employee participation. Training covers recognizing fall hazards, using guardrails, fall arrest, positioning, restraint and nets, erecting and inspecting fall protection, preventing falls through holes and openings, and the subpart's fall protection rules.
Key takeaways
- 1926.761(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 82 times in the last 3 years, in 82 inspections, with $201,532 in current penalties.
- 5 injury cases came from inspections that cited this rule, including 4 deaths.
- Most citations: TX (10), SD (7), TN (7).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.761(b) ("Fall hazard training") is one requirement inside 1926.761 Training, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 5 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) 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: 82 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.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.761.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.761(b), including 4 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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Top states: TX (10), SD (7), TN (7), KY (5), FL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOP FLIGHT STEEL INC. | GEISMAR, LA | $14,518 |
| RFX2026XJL680X0057 - FISHER SAND & GRAVEL CO. DBA FISHER INDUSTRIES | ELOY, AZ | $13,240 |
| A.W. STILES CONTRACTORS INC. | SMYRNA, NY | $11,292 |
| DANIEL MARR & SON COMPANY | NORWOOD, MA | $10,938 |
| RILEY ROOFING & SHEET METAL | PONTOTOC, MS | $9,103 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.761(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.761(b).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who must receive fall hazard training in steel erection?
Each employee exposed to a fall hazard.
What topics must the training cover?
Recognizing fall hazards, using fall protection systems, erecting and inspecting them, preventing falls through holes and openings, and the subpart's fall protection requirements.
Must employees take part?
Yes. The employer must institute a training program and ensure employee participation.
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 2026-10-20
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.