1926.602(a)(3)(i): Access Roads Built for the Equipment
Employers must not move, or have anyone move, construction equipment or vehicles on any access roadway or grade unless it is constructed and maintained to safely accommodate the movement of that equipment and those vehicles.
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(a)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $47,949 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), VA (2), NJ (1).
- Related part: 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.602(a)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.602 Material handling equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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
(i) No employer shall move or cause to be moved construction equipment or vehicles upon any access roadway or grade unless the access roadway or grade is constructed and maintained to accommodate safely the movement of the equipment and vehicles involved. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.602.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), VA (2), NJ (1), FL (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NEW YORK EXCAVATION, INC. | ARLINGTON, VA | $12,700 |
| BRIGHT COOP, INC | NACOGDOCHES, TX | $8,937 |
| ARS RESCUE ROOTER | COLUMBUS, OH | $7,905 |
| TIP TOP TREE SERVICE, INC. | DELRAY BEACH, FL | $4,839 |
| B & G CONTRACTING CORPORATION | SANDSTON, VA | $4,025 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(a)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.602(a)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.602(a) Earthmoving equipment; General 75 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9) Audible alarms 56 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) 31 citations
- 1926.602(a)(9)(i) 25 citations
- 1926.602(a)(3) Access roadways and grades 10 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2)(i) 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(2) Seat belts 5 citations
- 1926.602(a)(4) Brakes 3 citations
- 1926.602(a)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.602(a)(6) Rollover protective structures (ROPS)
- 1926.602(a)(2)(ii)
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
Can equipment be moved on an unfinished access road?
Only if the roadway or grade is constructed and maintained to safely accommodate the equipment and vehicles involved.
Does this include having someone else move equipment?
Yes. No employer shall move or cause to be moved equipment on an unsafe roadway or grade.
What does maintained mean in practice?
The road must be kept in a condition that safely handles the equipment, so damage needs to be fixed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.602 (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.