1910.142(b): Shelter in Temporary Labor Camps
Temporary labor camp shelters must protect against the elements, give each sleeping occupant at least 50 square feet and a ceiling at least 7 feet high, and provide beds, storage and spacing as specified. Floors must be wood, asphalt or concrete, wooden floors raised at least 1 foot, windows at least one-tenth of the floor area with half able to open, and exterior openings screened with 16-mesh material and self-closing screen doors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.142(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 45 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $42,374 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (41), ME (3), VT (1).
- Related part: 1910.142(b)(8) (20 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.142(b) ("Shelter") is one requirement inside 1910.142 Temporary labor camps, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 11 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) Shelter. 45 citations
(1) Every shelter in the camp shall be constructed in a manner which will provide protection against the elements. 4 citations
(2) Each room used for sleeping purposes shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant. At least a 7-foot ceiling shall be provided. 1 citations
(3) Beds, cots, or bunks, and suitable storage facilities such as wall lockers for clothing and personal articles shall be provided in every room used for sleeping purposes. Such beds or similar facilities shall be spaced not closer than 36 inches both laterally and end to end, and shall be elevated at least 12 inches from the floor. If double-deck bunks are used, they shall be spaced not less than 48 inches both laterally and end to end. The minimum clear space between the lower and upper bunk shall be not less than 27 inches. Triple-deck bunks are prohibited. Open (b)(3) 12 citations
(4) The floors of each shelter shall be constructed of wood, asphalt, or concrete. Wooden floors shall be of smooth and tight construction. The floors shall be kept in good repair. 5 citations
(5) All wooden floors shall be elevated not less than 1 foot above the ground level at all points to prevent dampness and to permit free circulation of air beneath.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit “banking” with earth or other suitable material around the outside walls in areas subject to extreme low temperatures.
(7) All living quarters shall be provided with windows the total of which shall be not less than one-tenth of the floor area. At least one-half of each window shall be so constructed that it can be opened for purposes of ventilation. 2 citations
(8) All exterior openings shall be effectively screened with 16-mesh material. All screen doors shall be equipped with self-closing devices. Open (b)(8) 20 citations
(9) In a room where workers cook, live, and sleep a minimum of 100 square feet per person shall be provided. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing and preparing food. Open (b)(9)
(10) In camps where cooking facilities are used in common, stoves (in ratio of one stove to 10 persons or one stove to two families) shall be provided in an enclosed and screened shelter. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing and preparing food. 1 citations
(11) All heating, cooking, and water heating equipment shall be installed in accordance with State and local ordinances, codes, and regulations governing such installations. If a camp is used during cold weather, adequate heating equipment shall be provided.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.142.
Export the list: 28 inspections cited 1910.142(b) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: NC (41), ME (3), VT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WORCESTER RESOURCES, INC. | TOPSFIELD, ME | $15,969 |
| 154959 - ALICIER LOUIGENOR | SNOW HILL, NC | $2,520 |
| 160052 - ALVARADO'S CONTRACT LLC | BAILEY, NC | $1,800 |
| BOB GRAY | NEWBURY, VT | $1,728 |
| 155114 - ALICIER LOUIGENOR | SNOW HILL, NC | $1,680 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
- All exterior openings/doors of temporary labor housing must be screened. (1998-09-22)
- All mobile housing units without exception, must comply with the general provisions for 1910.142. (1991-06-21)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.142(b)(8) 20 citations
- 1910.142(b)(3) 12 citations
- 1910.142(b)(9)
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Frequently asked questions
How much space does each sleeping occupant need?
At least 50 square feet of floor space, with at least a 7-foot ceiling.
How far apart must beds be?
Not closer than 36 inches both laterally and end to end, elevated at least 12 inches; double-deck bunks not less than 48 inches apart.
Are triple-deck bunks allowed?
No. Triple-deck bunks are prohibited.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.142 (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 2026-11-01
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.