1910.30(b): Training on Walking-Working Surface Equipment
Employers must train each employee in the proper care, inspection, storage and use of equipment covered by the walking-working surfaces subpart before the employee uses it. Employees who use dockboards must be trained to place and secure them, rope descent system users must be trained in rigging and use, and designated area users must be trained in setting up and using the area.
Key takeaways
- 1910.30(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 171 times in the last 3 years, in 171 inspections, with $287,499 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MA (39), OR (21), ME (21).
- Related part: 1910.30(b)(1) (154 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.30(b) ("Equipment hazards") is one requirement inside 1910.30 Training requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 4 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
(b) Equipment hazards. 171 citations
(1) The employer must train each employee on or before May 17, 2017 in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment covered by this subpart before an employee uses the equipment. Open (b)(1) 154 citations
(2) The employer must train each employee who uses a dockboard to properly place and secure it to prevent unintentional movement. 8 citations
(3) The employer must train each employee who uses a rope descent system in proper rigging and use of the equipment in accordance with § 1910.27. Open (b)(3) 1 citations
(4) The employer must train each employee who uses a designated area in the proper set-up and use of the area. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.30.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.30(b).
At 10:00 a.m. on September 30, 2024, Employee #1, employed at a food service establishment, was found unresponsive in a walk-in cooler. Emergency services were called, and the employee was transported to the hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. Later, the employee was transferred…
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 | 9 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2025 | 71 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: MA (39), OR (21), ME (21), OH (13), FL (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC | MASSENA, NY | $20,000 |
| VERANO HOLDINGS, LLC | APOLLO BEACH, FL | $13,240 |
| MICHELS CORPORATION | MARSHALLTOWN, IA | $11,823 |
| LOWE'S HOME CENTERS LLC #1197 | WARWICK, RI | $11,291 |
| STARK TECH OPERATING COMPANY, LLC | LONGWOOD, FL | $10,372 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.30(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.30(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.30(b)(1) 154 citations
- 1910.30(b)(3) 1 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
When must employees be trained on this equipment?
Before an employee uses the equipment covered by the subpart.
What dockboard training is required?
Training to properly place and secure the dockboard to prevent unintentional movement.
What about rope descent systems?
Each employee who uses one must be trained in proper rigging and use of the equipment in accordance with 1910.27.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.30 (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 2026-10-21
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.