1926.802: Cofferdams
If high water could overtop a cofferdam, employers must provide a way to flood the work area in a controlled way. Evacuation warning signals must be developed and posted, walkways, bridges or ramps with at least two means of rapid exit must have guardrails, and cofferdams near navigable channels must be protected from vessels where possible.
Key takeaways
- 1926.802 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $16,550 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.802, "Cofferdams", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart S). It has 4 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 1926.802 (4 paragraphs)
(a) If overtopping of the cofferdam by high waters is possible, means shall be provided for controlled flooding of the work area.
(b) Warning signals for evacuation of employees in case of emergency shall be developed and posted.
(c) Cofferdam walkways, bridges, or ramps with at least two means of rapid exit shall be provided with guardrails as specified in subpart M of this part. 3 citations
(d) Cofferdams located close to navigable shipping channels shall be protected from vessels in transit, where possible.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.802.
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Frequently asked questions
What if high water could overtop the cofferdam?
Means must be provided for controlled flooding of the work area.
How many exits must walkways have?
At least two means of rapid exit, with guardrails.
Do evacuation signals need to be posted?
Yes, they must be developed and posted.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.802 (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.