1910.176(b): Stable Material Storage
Employers must store materials so they do not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles and other items stored in tiers must be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so they stay stable and secure and will not slide or collapse onto workers.
Key takeaways
- 1910.176(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 728 times in the last 3 years, in 728 inspections, with $3,818,198 in current penalties.
- 20 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (128), TX (53), NY (49).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.176(b) ("Secure storage") is one requirement inside 1910.176 Handling materials—general, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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) Secure storage. Storage of material shall not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers shall be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. 728 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.176.
Injuries linked to this rule
20 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.176(b).
At 7:15 a.m. on January 7, 2025, Employee #1 was standing on the support platform of a Combi forklift, using it as a working surface to cut a bundle of overhead galvanized pipe. Upon cutting the last strap securing the bundle, the pipes shifted and…
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 | 51 |
| 2024 | 285 |
| 2025 | 235 |
| 2026 | 157 |
Top states: NJ (128), TX (53), NY (49), VA (42), FL (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALLTRANS TERMINAL COMPANIES, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $132,411 |
| DOLLAR GENERAL #22557 | SUNAPEE, NH | $93,436 |
| FAMILY DOLLAR STORES OF MASSACHUSETTS, LLC | CHICOPEE, MA | $89,290 |
| 106801 - SENECA FOODS CORPORATION | MONTGOMERY, MN | $78,130 |
| DOLLAR TREE INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $67,075 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.176(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.176(b).
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Frequently asked questions
How must stacked materials be stored?
Stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.
Is there a set maximum stack height?
This paragraph does not set a number. Height must be limited so the stack stays stable.
What is the main rule?
Storage of material shall not create a hazard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.176 (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.