1910.212(b): Anchoring Fixed Machinery
Employers must securely anchor machines that are designed for a fixed location. The anchoring must keep the machine from walking or moving during use.
Key takeaways
- 1910.212(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 591 times in the last 3 years, in 591 inspections, with $741,938 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (53), CT (52), NY (47).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.212(b) ("Anchoring fixed machinery") is one requirement inside 1910.212 General requirements for all machines, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). 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) Anchoring fixed machinery. Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving. 591 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.212.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.212(b).
At 9:56 a.m. on October 31, 2024, an employee was working as a packaging machineoperator for an asphalt and block manufacturer. The asphalt was located outside where it was raining, so the production line was not operating at the time. The employee and a coworker…
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 | 30 |
| 2024 | 189 |
| 2025 | 233 |
| 2026 | 139 |
Top states: TN (53), CT (52), NY (47), NC (47), UT (41)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DESERT DIAMOND CASINO WEST VALLEY | GLENDALE, AZ | $13,902 |
| CHART INC. | HOUSTON, TX | $13,828 |
| C&B PIPING E, LLC | AMHERST, VA | $12,214 |
| COINING MFG., LLC | CLIFTON, NJ | $11,292 |
| WESANCO INC. | TOTOWA, NJ | $9,577 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.212(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.212(b).
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
Which machines must be anchored?
Machines designed for a fixed location.
Why must they be anchored?
To prevent them from walking or moving.
What should I do if a machine shifts while running?
Stop using it and report it so it can be secured before further use.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.212 (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.