1910.141(a)(3): Clean, Dry Workplaces
Employers must keep every workplace as clean as the type of work allows and keep workroom floors as dry as practical. Where wet processes are used, they must keep drainage working and provide dry standing places such as mats or platforms, or waterproof footwear. Floors, work areas and walkways must be kept free of sticking-out nails, splinters, loose boards and unneeded holes.
Key takeaways
- 1910.141(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 519 times in the last 3 years, in 502 inspections, with $743,778 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (126), NY (59), VI (50).
- Related part: 1910.141(a) General (818 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3) ("Housekeeping") is one requirement inside 1910.141 Sanitation, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(3) Housekeeping. 519 citations
(i) All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows. Open (a)(3)(i) 452 citations
(ii) The floor of every workroom shall be maintained, so far as practicable, in a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places shall be provided, where practicable, or appropriate waterproof footgear shall be provided. Open (a)(3)(ii) 42 citations
(iii) To facilitate cleaning, every floor, working place, and passageway shall be kept free from protruding nails, splinters, loose boards, and unnecessary holes and openings. Open (a)(3)(iii) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.141.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 165 |
| 2025 | 209 |
| 2026 | 109 |
Top states: PR (126), NY (59), VI (50), MI (47), NJ (37)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MUNICIPIO DE SAN JUAN | SAN JUAN, PR | $50,000 |
| UPR | MAYAGUEZ, PR | $30,000 |
| DA-OFICINA DE ?REA DE ISABELA | ISABELA, PR | $25,000 |
| DS | SAN JUAN, PR | $25,000 |
| DS | BAYAMON, PR | $20,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.141(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.141(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.141(a) General 818 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(i) 452 citations
- 1910.141(a)(5) Vermin control 257 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4) Waste disposal 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(ii) 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4)(i) 11 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(iii) 11 citations
- 1910.141(a)(2) Definitions applicable to this section
- 1910.141(a)(1) Scope
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Does every workplace have to be spotless?
No. It must be kept clean to the extent the nature of the work allows.
What if our work uses a lot of water?
The employer must keep drainage working and, where practicable, provide dry standing places like false floors, platforms or mats, or provide waterproof footwear.
What floor hazards must be removed?
Protruding nails, splinters, loose boards and unnecessary holes and openings must be kept off floors, work areas and passageways.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.141 (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.