1926.651(b)(4): Protecting Underground Utilities in Open Excavations
While an excavation is open, employers must protect, support or remove underground installations as needed to keep workers safe.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 49 times in the last 3 years, in 49 inspections, with $149,346 in current penalties.
- Most citations: KY (6), IA (6), PA (5).
- Related part: 1926.651(b) Underground installations (125 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(b)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). 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
(4) While the excavation is open, underground installations shall be protected, supported or removed as necessary to safeguard employees. 49 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: KY (6), IA (6), PA (5), VA (4), NY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STEVENS ENGINEERS & CONSTRUCTORS, INC | MIDDLETOWN, OH | $16,131 |
| REVOLI CONSTRUCTION CO., INC | SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA | $14,188 |
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $12,744 |
| RFX2025XJL680X0047 - JANC EXCAVATING AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC | TUCSON, AZ | $11,823 |
| A&A DEMO & EXCAVATING, INC | OXFORD, OH | $8,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.651(b)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(b) Underground installations 125 citations
- 1926.651(b)(1) 32 citations
- 1926.651(b)(3) 30 citations
- 1926.651(b)(2) 14 citations
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
What must be done with underground utilities in an open excavation?
They must be protected, supported or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
How long does this duty last?
The rule applies the whole time the excavation is open.
Does every utility have to be removed?
No. The rule allows protecting, supporting or removing installations, whichever is necessary to keep workers safe.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (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.