1910.217(f)(2): Training Mechanical Power Press Operators
Employers must train and instruct mechanical power press operators in the safe method of work before they start any covered operation, and must make sure through adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are followed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.217(f)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $114,436 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), WI (2), IN (2).
- Related part: 1910.217(f) Operation of power presses (19 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.217(f)(2) ("Instruction to operators") is one requirement inside 1910.217 Mechanical power presses, 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
(2) Instruction to operators. The employer shall train and instruct the operator in the safe method of work before starting work on any operation covered by this section. The employer shall insure by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed. 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.217.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: OH (5), WI (2), IN (2), AK (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FRAM GROUP OPERATIONS LLC | GREENVILLE, OH | $50,699 |
| WISCONSIN STAMPING & MANUFACTURING, LLC | GERMANTOWN, WI | $14,063 |
| FIRST BRANDS GROUP, LLC | GREENVILLE, OH | $10,000 |
| EDWIN B. STIMPSON COMPANY, INC. | POMPANO BEACH, FL | $8,711 |
| ARIZON COMPANIES | SAINT LOUIS, MO | $8,711 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.217(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.217(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.217(f) Operation of power presses 19 citations
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
When must a press operator be trained?
Before starting work on any operation covered by 1910.217.
Is training the only requirement?
No. The employer must also ensure by adequate supervision that correct procedures are followed.
What must the training cover?
The safe method of work for the operation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.217 (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 2026-10-23
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.