1926.501(c)(1): Toeboards, Screens or Guardrails

In plain words:

One way to protect workers from falling objects is to put up toeboards, screens or guardrail systems so objects cannot fall from higher levels. Hard hats are still required.

Falling object protection: hard hat plus toeboards, a canopy or a barricaded area
Protecting workers below from falling objects. Not to scale; the official text controls.
22citations, 3 years
$25,526current penalties
22inspections
0linked injury cases

Official text: 29 CFR 1926.501(c)(1)

(1) Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels; or,

22 citations

Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.501.

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Where and how often it was cited

YearCitations
20246
20255
202611

Top states: VA (18), AR (1), AK (1), NV (1), IL (1)

Largest penalties

EmployerLocationPenalty for this rule
EDWARD ROSE & SONS LLCHENRICO, VA$5,505
DURAN TENT SPECIALISTS LLCLAS VEGAS, NV$4,702
M&B MASONRY INCRICHMOND, VA$2,755
BONAVENTURE CONSTRUCTION LLCNORFOLK, VA$2,720
KING PLASTER & CONSTRUCTION LLCVIRGINIA BEACH, VA$1,880

OSHA interpretation letters

None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.501(c)(1).

Related parts of this rule

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About this page

Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of 2026-10-18. 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.

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