1926.503(a): Fall Protection Training Program
Employers must train each worker who might be exposed to fall hazards to recognize them and follow procedures that reduce them. A competent person must teach it, covering the systems used, each worker's role, equipment limits and the Subpart M standards.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.503(a)
(a) Training program.
5,491 citations(1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.
Open (a)(1) 5,123 citations(2) The employer shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas:
Open (a)(2) 368 citations(i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area;
9 citations(ii) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used;
Open (a)(2)(ii) 52 citations(iii) The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used;
Open (a)(2)(iii) 51 citations(iv) The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used;
Open (a)(2)(iv) 4 citations(v) The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs;
1 citations(vi) The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection; and
1 citations(viii) The standards contained in this subpart.
4 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.503.
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Injuries linked to this rule
69 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.503(a), including 69 deaths.
An employee was carrying metal panel siding to a balcony for installation. The employee lost his step and fell approximately 10 feet to the next balcony, resulting in fatal head 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 | 433 |
| 2024 | 2,103 |
| 2025 | 1,917 |
| 2026 | 1,038 |
Top states: MD (695), TX (410), FL (406), AL (401), WI (357)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BACILIO RIOS ALMANZA | APPLETON, WI | $127,446 |
| MIGUEL NUNEZ | DOVER, DE | $103,128 |
| UNITED CUSTOM HOMES, LLC | NAPERVILLE, IL | $88,721 |
| BACILIO RIOS | APPLETON, WI | $85,938 |
| WELLINGTON TEIXEIRA | PHOENIXVILLE, PA | $70,976 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Gate Strength of Snaphooks and Carabiners (2017-08-31)
- NATE Response FINAL (2017-08-18)
- English language proficiency at construction sites. (2010-07-26)
- Clarification on several issues regarding OSHA's construction industry standards for fall protection (2003-12-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.503(a)(1) 5,123 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2) 368 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(ii) 52 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(iii) 51 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(vii) 5 citations
- 1926.503(a)(2)(iv) 4 citations
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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.