1926.605(d)(3): Vests on Unguarded Barge Decks
Employees walking or working on the unguarded decks of barges must be protected with U.S. Coast Guard-approved work vests or buoyant vests.
Key takeaways
- 1926.605(d)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $9,892 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.605(d) First-aid and lifesaving equipment (6 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.605(d)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.605 Marine operations and 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
(3) Employees walking or working on the unguarded decks of barges shall be protected with U.S. Coast Guard-approved work vests or buoyant vests. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.605.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.605(d)(3).
At 2:15 p.m. on March 8, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborer fora retaining walls contractor was working on a crew that had just prepared a site. The crew was getting ready to drive their first 6-inch by 6-inch by 30-foot-long beam into…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.605(d)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.605(d)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.605(d) First-aid and lifesaving equipment 6 citations
- 1926.605(d)(2) 2 citations
- 1926.605(d)(1) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When are vests required?
When employees walk or work on the unguarded decks of barges.
What vests are acceptable?
U.S. Coast Guard-approved work vests or buoyant vests.
Does walking count?
Yes, walking or working both count.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.605 (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.