1926.501(b)(12): Precast Concrete Erection
Workers erecting precast concrete members 6 feet or more above lower levels need guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest. A written fall protection plan under 1926.502(k) is allowed only if the employer proves those systems are infeasible or create a greater hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1926.501(b)(12) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $41,517 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.501(b) (23,401 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.501(b)(12) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.501(b)(12) ("Precast concrete erection") is one requirement inside 1926.501 Duty to have fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart M). 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
(12) Precast concrete erection. Each employee engaged in the erection of precast concrete members (including, but not limited to the erection of wall panels, columns, beams, and floor and roof “tees”) and related operations such as grouting of precast concrete members, who is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502. 6 citations
There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with § 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.501.
Export the list: 6 inspections cited 1926.501(b)(12) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.501(b)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.501(b)(12).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.501(b) 23,401 citations
- 1926.501(b)(13) Residential construction 15,404 citations
- 1926.501(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges 2,850 citations
- 1926.501(b)(10) Roofing work on Low-slope roofs 1,828 citations
- 1926.501(b)(11) Steep roofs 1,551 citations
- 1926.501(b)(4) Holes 1,110 citations
- 1926.501(b)(4)(ii) 666 citations
- 1926.501(b)(4)(i) 418 citations
- 1926.501(b)(14) Wall openings 271 citations
- 1926.501(b)(15) Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed 151 citations
- 1926.501(b)(2) Leading edges 117 citations
- 1926.501(b)(2)(i) 80 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.501 (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 2026-11-07
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.
