1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A): Guardrail Systems as Fall Protection
This paragraph lists guardrail systems as one of the fall protection options employers may use under 1910.28(b)(1)(i).
Key takeaways
- 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 61 times in the last 3 years, in 61 inspections, with $131,813 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (19), FL (7), GA (6).
- Related part: 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards (3,551 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A) is one requirement inside 1910.28 Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). 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
(A) Guardrail systems; 61 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.28.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A).
At 7:30 a.m. on October 15, 2024, an employee working for a wood products manufacturer was attempting to enter into a hopper. The employee was caught in the machinery and amputated his leg in the rotating shaft. The employee died as a result of his…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Top states: TN (19), FL (7), GA (6), VA (4), MD (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CVR COMMON SERVICES, LLC | WYNNEWOOD, OK | $12,000 |
| MISTICA FOODS, LLC | ADDISON, IL | $11,524 |
| CALUMET SHREVEPORT REFINING, LLC | SHREVEPORT, LA | $9,000 |
| EVEREST APOTHECARY, INC. | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $8,112 |
| ZEP INC. | EMERSON, GA | $7,460 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards 3,551 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges 1,938 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1)(i) 1,933 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3) Holes 667 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11) Stairways 407 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) 351 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(ii) 288 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(i) 238 citations
- 1910.28(b)(13) Work on low-slope roofs 132 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6) Dangerous equipment 123 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) 108 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6)(i) 106 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
What does this paragraph list?
Guardrail systems.
Is a guardrail the only option?
This paragraph names guardrail systems as one listed option under 1910.28(b)(1)(i).
Who chooses the fall protection option?
The employer must ensure employees are protected using an option the rule lists, such as guardrail systems.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.28 (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.