1910.26: Dockboard Safety Requirements
Employers must make sure each dockboard can hold its maximum intended load, and that dockboards first put in service on or after January 17, 2017 prevent vehicles from running off the edge unless there is no run-off hazard. Portable dockboards must be anchored or otherwise kept from moving and have handholds, and wheel chocks, sand shoes or similar measures must keep the truck, trailer or rail car from moving while employees are on the dockboard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.26 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $170,050 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (4), CT (3), HI (3).
- Most-cited part: 1910.26(d) (15 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.26, "Dockboards", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It has 7 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1910.26 (7 paragraphs)
The employer must ensure that each dockboard used meets the requirements of this section. The employer must ensure:
(a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910.22(b); 2 citations
(b) 2 citations
(1) Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; 2 citations
(2) Exception to paragraph (b)(1) of this section. When the employer demonstrates there is no hazard of transfer vehicles running off the dockboard edge, the employer may use dockboards that do not have run-off protection.
(c) Portable dockboards are secured by anchoring them in place or using equipment or devices that prevent the dockboard from moving out of a safe position. When the employer demonstrates that securing the dockboard is not feasible, the employer must ensure there is sufficient contact between the dockboard and the surface to prevent the dockboard from moving out of a safe position; 6 citations
(d) Measures, such as wheel chocks or sand shoes, are used to prevent the transport vehicle (e.g. a truck, semi-trailer, trailer, or rail car) on which a dockboard is placed, from moving while employees are on the dockboard; and Open (d) 15 citations
(e) Portable dockboards are equipped with handholds or other means to permit safe handling of dockboards. Open (e) 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.26.
At 7:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024, an employee working as a stock handler for a staffing company was removing load locks from materials inside a tractor trailer. The employee was leaving the tractor trailer to go back into the warehouse to store the load…
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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: WI (4), CT (3), HI (3), NY (3), TN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 317740772 - CAPSTONE LOGISTICS LLC | WOODBURN, OR | $31,632 |
| COAST CITRUS DISTRIBUTION DBA COAST TROPICAL | MCALLEN, TX | $16,550 |
| STAFFING SOLUTIONS OF CENTRAL TEXAS, INC. | MCALLEN, TX | $16,550 |
| DOUBLE D EXPRESS, INC. | SPRINGFIELD, IL | $11,292 |
| PROTECTIVE COATING SPECIALISTS, INC. | HURON, SD | $11,292 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.26, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The use of rail extensions on ladders used in a general industry setting. (2006-03-17)
- Load ratings for portable ladders. (1998-06-11)
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1910.26(d) 15 citations
- 1910.26(e) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do dockboards need run-off protection?
Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 must prevent transfer vehicles from running off the edge, unless the employer shows there is no such hazard.
How must portable dockboards be secured?
By anchoring them or using devices that keep them from moving out of a safe position; if that is not feasible, there must be enough contact with the surface to keep them in place.
What keeps the truck from moving?
Measures such as wheel chocks or sand shoes must prevent the transport vehicle from moving while employees are on the dockboard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.26 (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 2026-10-19
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.