1910.29(k)(1): Toeboard Requirements
Employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection run along the exposed edge far enough to protect workers below, are at least 3.5 inches high, have no more than a 0.25-inch gap at the bottom, have no openings over 1 inch, and withstand at least 50 pounds of force. Around vehicle pits they must be at least 2.5 inches high, or may be left off if they would block access.
Key takeaways
- 1910.29(k)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 44 times in the last 3 years, in 44 inspections, with $37,306 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (17), NY (5), IA (3).
- Related part: 1910.29(k) Protection from falling objects (46 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.29(k)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.29 Fall protection systems and falling object protection—criteria and practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 6 sub-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
(1) The employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection: 44 citations
(i) Are erected along the exposed edge of the overhead walking-working surface for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. Open (k)(1)(i) 14 citations
(ii) Have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface. 1 citations
(iii) Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. 1 citations
(iv) Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension.
(v) Have a minimum height of 2.5 inches (6 cm) when used around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits. Toeboards may be omitted around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits when the employer can demonstrate that a toeboard would prevent access to a vehicle that is over the pit.
(vi) Are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.29.
Export the list: 44 inspections cited 1910.29(k)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: IL (17), NY (5), IA (3), NJ (3), MA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WATERLOO PROCESSING, LLC | WATERLOO, IA | $11,823 |
| CACTUS PETE'S, LLC | JACKPOT, NV | $8,038 |
| 317737882 - ATI SPECIALTY ALLOYS & COMPONENTS LLC | ALBANY, OR | $3,458 |
| NEBULA FOODS INC | NEW BEDFORD, MA | $3,387 |
| LOWER TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT - TRANSPORTATION GARAGE | CAPE MAY, NJ | $3,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.29(k)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.29(k)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.29(k) Protection from falling objects 46 citations
- 1910.29(k)(1)(i) 14 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How high must a toeboard be?
At least 3.5 inches from its top edge to the walking-working surface.
How big can openings in a toeboard be?
Toeboards must be solid or have no opening that exceeds 1 inch at its greatest dimension.
Can toeboards be left off around vehicle pits?
Yes, when the employer can show a toeboard would prevent access to a vehicle over the pit.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.29 (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 2026-11-06
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.