1926.859(a): Clear the Area During Balling or Clamming
No workers may be in any area that can be affected by demolition operations when balling or clamming is being done. At other times, only workers needed for the operations may be in this area.
Key takeaways
- 1926.859(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $13,942 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.859(a) is one requirement inside 1926.859 Mechanical demolition, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). 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
(a) No workers shall be permitted in any area, which can be adversely affected by demolition operations, when balling or clamming is being performed. Only those workers necessary for the performance of the operations shall be permitted in this area at any other time. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.859.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.859(a).
At 11:08 a.m. on November 5, 2024, Employee #1 was working at the site of a one-story residential structure being demolished with a trackhoe. The building was constructed of concrete block. During demolition, a portion of the block wall collapsed and struck him. He sustained…
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 1926.859(a).
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Frequently asked questions
When must the area be clear?
When balling or clamming is being performed.
Who can be in the area at other times?
Only those workers necessary for the operations.
What area does this cover?
Any area which can be adversely affected by demolition operations.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.859 (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.