1910.266(d)(1)(iv): Chain Saw Leg Protection in Logging
Logging employers must provide, at no cost, and make sure each chain saw operator wears cut-resistant leg protection that covers the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg. It does not apply to climbers when the employer shows leg protection poses a greater hazard, or to work from vehicle-mounted platforms meeting 1910.67.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(d)(1)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $35,407 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (3), NY (2), AR (2).
- Related part: 1910.266(d) General requirements (90 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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
(iv) The employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who operates a chain saw wears leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material, such as ballistic nylon. The leg protection shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg to protect against contact with a moving chain saw. Exception: This requirement does not apply when an employee is working as a climber if the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by wearing leg protection in the particular situation, or when an employee is working from a vehicular mounted elevating and rotating work platform meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.67. 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(d)(1)(iv).
At 12:00 a.m. on May 16, 2024, Employee #1, employed in tree felling operations,was struck by a tree limb that broke from the canopy of a nearby tree. While felling an adjacent tree, the limb fell unexpectedly, striking Employee #1 in the head and neck…
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 | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: VA (3), NY (2), AR (2), WV (2), HI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TIDEWATER AND BIG BEN FOUNDATION | NEW KENT, VA | $10,763 |
| DRAGONETTI BROTHERS LANDSCAPING NURSERY & FLORIST INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $6,036 |
| HAWAII HARDWOOD SERVICES LLC | PAHOA, HI | $4,018 |
| RICHARD DUTCHER | MIDDLETOWN, NY | $3,972 |
| BROWNING LOGGING LLC | ELKVIEW, WV | $3,405 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(d)(1)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(d)(1)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(d) General requirements 90 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1) Personal protective equipment 40 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2) First-aid kits 24 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(i) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vi) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6) Work areas 10 citations
- 1910.266(d)(4) Fire extinguishers 9 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(ii) 8 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(B) 7 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.266(d)(7) Signaling and signal equipment 4 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
Who pays for chain saw chaps?
The employer must provide them at no cost to the employee.
How much of the leg must be covered?
The full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, for climbers when the employer shows a greater hazard, and for work from vehicle-mounted elevating platforms meeting 1910.67.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (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 2026-10-22
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.