1926.1001: Rollover Protective Structure Performance
This section sets minimum performance criteria for rollover protective structures (ROPS) on scrapers, front end loaders, dozers, crawler tractors and loaders, motor graders, compactors and rubber-tired skid steer equipment. Equipment made before July 15, 2019 must meet the listed SAE practices or ISO 3471:2008, and equipment made on or after that date must meet ISO 3471:2008.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1001 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart W).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $2,500 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1001, "Minimum performance criteria for rollover protective structures for designated scrapers, loaders, dozers, graders, crawler tractors, compactors, and rubber-tired skid steer equipment", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart W). It has 3 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.1001 (3 paragraphs)
(a) General. This section prescribes minimum performance criteria for roll-over protective structures (ROPS) for rubber-tired self-propelled scrapers; rubber-tired front end loaders and rubber-tired dozers; crawler tractors and crawler-type loaders, motor graders, compactors, and rubber-tired skid steer equipment.
(b) Equipment manufactured before July 15, 2019. For equipment listed in paragraph (a) of this section (excluding compactors and rubber-tired skid steer equipment) manufactured before July 15, 2019, the protective frames shall conform to the following Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practices as applicable: SAE J320a, Minimum Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structure for Rubber-Tired, Self-Propelled Scrapers; SAE J394, Minimum Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structure for Rubber-Tired Front End Loaders and Rubber-Tired Dozers; SAE J395, Minimum Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structure for Crawler Tractors and Crawler-Type Loaders; SAE J396, Minimum Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structure for Motor Graders; and SAE J397, Critical Zone Characteristics and Dimensions for Operators of Construction and Industrial Machinery, as applicable (each incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6), or comply with the consensus standard (ISO 3471:2008) listed in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Equipment manufactured on or after July 15, 2019. For equipment listed in paragraph (a) of this section manufactured on or after July 15, 2019, the protective frames shall meet the test and performance requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 3471:2008 Earth-Moving Machinery—Roll-over protective structures—Laboratory tests and performance requirements (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6). 1 citations
[84 FR 21578, May 14, 2019]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1001, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Rollover protective structure application. (1978-06-05)
- Misapplication of Rollover Protective Structures (1977-04-07)
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
Which standard applies to equipment made on or after July 15, 2019?
ISO 3471:2008.
What applies to equipment made before July 15, 2019?
The listed SAE Recommended Practices, such as SAE J320a, J394, J395, J396 and J397, as applicable, or ISO 3471:2008.
Are compactors and skid steers included?
Yes, they are listed in paragraph (a).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1001 (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 2026-10-19
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.