1910.28(c)(3): Barricades and Keeping Objects From Edges
One way employers can protect workers from falling objects is by barricading the area where objects could fall, keeping employees out of that area, and keeping objects far enough from an edge or opening that they cannot fall to a lower level.
Key takeaways
- 1910.28(c)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $152,267 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (9), NJ (4), TX (3).
- Related part: 1910.28(c) Protection from falling objects (76 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.28(c)(3) 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
(3) Barricading the area into which objects could fall, prohibiting employees from entering the barricaded area, and keeping objects far enough from an edge or opening to prevent them from falling to a lower level. 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.28.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.28(c)(3).
At 7:15 a.m. on January 7, 2025, Employee #1 was standing on the support platform of a Combi forklift, using it as a working surface to cut a bundle of overhead galvanized pipe. Upon cutting the last strap securing the bundle, the pipes shifted 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NY (9), NJ (4), TX (3), MA (2), IA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| OLSEN'S LANDSCAPING AND TREE SERVICE | GREENWOOD LAKE, NY | $16,550 |
| BZ TREES SERVICES AND LANDSCAPING LLC | HADLEY, NY | $15,625 |
| FERGUSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | MENTONE, TX | $14,518 |
| PRECISION DRILLING COMPANY, LP | MIDLAND, TX | $13,828 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $11,130 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.28(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.28(c)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.28(c) Protection from falling objects 76 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What does this falling object protection option require?
Barricading the area where objects could fall, keeping employees out of it, and keeping objects far enough from edges and openings.
Can workers enter the barricaded area?
No. Employees must be prohibited from entering the barricaded area.
Where should objects be kept?
Far enough from an edge or opening to prevent them from falling to a lower level.
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.