1926.301(d): Wooden Tool Handles in Good Shape
Employers must make sure wooden tool handles are kept free of splinters or cracks and kept tight in the tool.
Key takeaways
- 1926.301(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (15), HI (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.301(d) is one requirement inside 1926.301 Hand tools, 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
(d) The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool. 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.301.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: IL (15), HI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CITY OF MOUNT OLIVE - WWTP | MOUNT OLIVE, IL | $0 |
| VILLAGE OF BUTLER - STREET DEPARTMENT | BUTLER, IL | $0 |
| CARLINVILLE TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | CARLINVILLE, IL | $0 |
| EAST FORK TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | COFFEEN, IL | $0 |
| VILLAGE OF BECKEMEYER - STREET DEPT | BECKEMEYER, IL | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.301(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.301(d).
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
What condition must wooden handles be in?
Free of splinters or cracks.
What about loose heads?
Handles must be kept tight in the tool.
Which tools does this cover?
Hand tools with wooden handles.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.301 (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.