1910.266(d)(1)(vi): Head Protection for Loggers
Logging employers must provide, at no cost to the employee, and make sure each employee working where there is potential for head injury from falling or flying objects wears head protection meeting subpart I of part 1910.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $48,837 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WV (4), VA (2), HI (1).
- 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)(vi) 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
(vi) The employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling or flying objects wears head protection meeting the requirements of subpart I of part 1910. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(d)(1)(vi).
At 8:00 a.m. on June 14, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a tree-cutting company, was cutting down a tree. After the tree was felled, a limb from an adjacent treebroke off and fell, striking the employee in the head. The employee sustained head trauma and…
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 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WV (4), VA (2), HI (1), TN (1), KY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BK LOGGING, LLC | WILLIAMSON, WV | $16,550 |
| J & T LOGGING INC | SLANESVILLE, WV | $10,000 |
| DEREK CROPP | HARRISVILLE, WV | $8,000 |
| VIKING LUMBER COMPANY, INC. | NAUKATI BAY, AK | $5,959 |
| HAWAII HARDWOOD SERVICES LLC | PAHOA, HI | $4,018 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(d)(1)(vi), 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)(vi).
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)(1)(iv) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(i) 14 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 logging head protection?
The employer provides it at no cost to the employee.
When must head protection be worn?
In any area where there is potential for head injury from falling or flying objects.
What standard must the head protection meet?
The requirements of subpart I of part 1910.
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.