1910.219(c)(4)(i): Guarding Projecting Shaft Ends
Employers must make sure projecting shaft ends have a smooth edge and end and stick out no more than one-half the diameter of the shaft. If they stick out farther, they must be guarded by nonrotating caps or safety sleeves.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(c)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 279 times in the last 3 years, in 279 inspections, with $858,940 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (39), WI (28), OR (24).
- Related part: 1910.219(c) Shafting (703 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, 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
(i) Projecting shaft ends shall present a smooth edge and end and shall not project more than one-half the diameter of the shaft unless guarded by nonrotating caps or safety sleeves. 279 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.219(c)(4)(i).
At 10:40 p.m. on April 26, 2024, an employee was caught in a conveyor belt and died due to asphyxiation.
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 | 23 |
| 2024 | 94 |
| 2025 | 97 |
| 2026 | 65 |
Top states: NC (39), WI (28), OR (24), IA (20), VA (19)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RED RIVER COMMODITIES INC | COLBY, KS | $63,382 |
| 158954 - NVR, INC. | KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC | $16,550 |
| EMR, INC. | CAMDEN, NJ | $16,550 |
| WONDERFUL CITRUS PACKING LLC | MISSION, TX | $16,131 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(c)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.219(c)(4)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(c) Shafting 703 citations
- 1910.219(c)(4) Projecting shaft ends 331 citations
- 1910.219(c)(2) Guarding horizontal shafting 315 citations
- 1910.219(c)(2)(i) 302 citations
- 1910.219(c)(3) Guarding vertical and inclined shafting 57 citations
- 1910.219(c)(4)(ii) 51 citations
- 1910.219(c)(5) Power-transmission apparatus located in basements
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
How far can a shaft end stick out without a guard?
Not more than one-half the diameter of the shaft.
What guards are allowed on longer shaft ends?
Nonrotating caps or safety sleeves.
Does the shaft end need to be smooth?
Yes. Projecting shaft ends must present a smooth edge and end.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.219 (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.