1926.602(a)(9)(i): Horns on Bidirectional Machines
Employers must equip all bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders and bulldozers, with a horn that can be heard over the surrounding noise. The horn must be used as needed when the machine moves in either direction and kept in working condition.
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(a)(9)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $32,795 in current penalties.
- Most citations: SC (12), MI (7), VA (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)(9)(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) All bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and similar equipment, shall be equipped with a horn, distinguishable from the surrounding noise level, which shall be operated as needed when the machine is moving in either direction. The horn shall be maintained in an operative condition. 25 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: SC (12), MI (7), VA (1), IN (1), DE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JERRY'S INC. | MILLSBORO, DE | $6,621 |
| MASTER PAVERZ INC. | HOMESTEAD, FL | $4,965 |
| 77244 - COOGLER CONSTRUCTION CO INC | ORANGEBURG, SC | $3,500 |
| HSC CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $3,476 |
| 77470 - BL HARBERT INTERNATIONAL | AIKEN, SC | $3,150 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(a)(9)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Horns and audible alarms. (1987-08-20)
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)(3)(i) 10 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
Which machines need a horn?
All bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders, bulldozers and similar equipment.
How loud must the horn be?
Distinguishable from the surrounding noise level.
Must the horn always work?
Yes, it must be maintained in an operative condition.
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.