1926.20(b)(4): Only Qualified Operators
Employers must allow only employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery.
Key takeaways
- 1926.20(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 57 times in the last 3 years, in 57 inspections, with $235,102 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (19), PR (5), WI (4).
- Related part: 1926.20(b) Accident prevention responsibilities (3,845 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.20 General safety and health provisions, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart C). 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
(4) The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery. 57 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.20.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.20(b)(4).
At 4:40 p.m. on February 12, 2025, Employee #1 was operating a compact roller while working as a construction laborer for a site preparation contractor. Employee #1 sustained fatal injuries after he was run over by the roller when itdrove off of the roadway.
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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: TX (19), PR (5), WI (4), GA (4), NC (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NEW GENERATION CONCRETE SERVICES INC | DAVENPORT, FL | $16,550 |
| RIPA AND ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. | PARRISH, FL | $16,550 |
| REV CONSTRUCTION, INC. | TUSKEGEE, AL | $14,068 |
| KARSTEN INTERIOR SERVICES, L.P. | PORT ARTHUR, TX | $11,823 |
| BLAZE EQUIPMENT RENTAL LLC | FORT WORTH, TX | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.20(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- General requirements that applies to workers who drive heavy trucks and other commercial motor vehicles CMV on construction sites (2015-04-15)
- Re-qualification requirements for mobile crane operators engaged in construction work. (2008-11-21)
- Powered Industrial Truck 1910.178(l) training requirements applicable to construction; training for skid-steer loader operators. (2004-11-05)
- Policy for descent control devices used in construction. (1998-11-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.20(b) Accident prevention responsibilities 3,845 citations
- 1926.20(b)(2) 2,606 citations
- 1926.20(b)(1) 1,170 citations
- 1926.20(b)(3) 12 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
Who can operate equipment on a construction site?
Only employees qualified by training or experience.
Whose job is it to enforce this?
The employer must permit only qualified employees to operate equipment and machinery.
Does experience count as qualification?
Yes. The rule says qualified by training or experience.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.20 (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.