1926.201(a): Flaggers Must Follow MUTCD
Construction employers must make sure signaling by flaggers, the use of flaggers and the warning garments flaggers wear all conform to Part 6 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Key takeaways
- 1926.201(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 33 inspections, with $301,200 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (6), DE (6), CT (5).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.201(a) ("Flaggers") is one requirement inside 1926.201 Signaling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart G). 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
(a) Flaggers. Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers, shall conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6). 33 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.201.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.201(a).
At 2:15 p.m. on October 29, 2024, an employee was directing traffic when a vehicle from oncoming traffic struck the employee. The employee sustained blunt force trauma and died as a result of the injuries.
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 | 14 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (6), DE (6), CT (5), NH (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AWP, INC. | WILMINGTON, DE | $99,300 |
| AWP, INC. | CLAYMONT, DE | $91,025 |
| AWP, INC. | HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, OH | $16,131 |
| KDR NY ENTERPRISES CORP. | BROOKLYN, NY | $14,895 |
| PIKE ELECTRIC WEST, LLC | GEORGETOWN, TX | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.201(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones is required. (2009-08-05)
- Highway work zones and reflective/warning vests for the protection of off-duty police officers working as flaggers. (2006-01-31)
- Requirements for use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones. (2004-05-11)
- Substitution of phosphorescent helmets for retroflective garments does not meet high-visibility clothing requirements for flaggers. (2003-12-08)
- Warning garments for flagmen at construction sites (1991-02-04)
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What does this rule require for flaggers?
Flagger signaling, use and warning garments must conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD.
Is the MUTCD part of the OSHA rule?
Yes. It is incorporated by reference, see 1926.6.
Does this include high-visibility clothing?
It covers the warning garments worn by flaggers, which must meet MUTCD Part 6.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.201 (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.