1926.300(b)(3): Types of Machine Guarding in Construction
Employers must provide one or more methods of machine guarding to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples include barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices and electronic safety devices.
Key takeaways
- 1926.300(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $54,824 in current penalties.
- Most citations: DC (2), CO (2), FL (1).
- Related part: 1926.300(b) Guarding (310 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.300(b)(3) ("Types of guarding") is one requirement inside 1926.300 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). 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
(3) Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are—barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.300.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: DC (2), CO (2), FL (1), MO (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HELLAS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CYPRESS, TX | $12,413 |
| RUGGIERI BROS. INC. | CRANSTON, RI | $8,110 |
| JACOBSEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC | MIDVALE, UT | $7,000 |
| MASTIN'S, INC. | NORTHPORT, AL | $5,959 |
| NR RABI CORP | DAVENPORT, FL | $4,688 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.300(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.300(b) Guarding 310 citations
- 1926.300(b)(1) 159 citations
- 1926.300(b)(2) 92 citations
- 1926.300(b)(4) Point of operation guarding 42 citations
- 1926.300(b)(4)(ii) 35 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must machine guarding protect?
The operator and other employees in the machine area.
What hazards must be guarded?
Hazards such as point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.
What are examples of guarding methods?
Barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices and electronic safety devices.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.300 (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.