1926.651(c)(1): Structural ramps
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(c)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $30,644 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.651(c) Access and egress (771 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(c)(1) ("Structural ramps") is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). It includes 5 sub-paragraphs. 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
(1) Structural ramps. 9 citations
(i) Structural ramps that are used solely by employees as a means of access or egress from excavations shall be designed by a competent person. Structural ramps used for access or egress of equipment shall be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design, and shall be constructed in accordance with the design. Open (c)(1)(i) 9 citations
(ii) Ramps and runways constructed of two or more structural members shall have the structural members connected together to prevent displacement.
(iii) Structural members used for ramps and runways shall be of uniform thickness.
(iv) Cleats or other appropriate means used to connect runway structural members shall be attached to the bottom of the runway or shall be attached in a manner to prevent tripping.
(v) Structural ramps used in lieu of steps shall be provided with cleats or other surface treatments on the top surface to prevent slipping.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(c) Access and egress 771 citations
- 1926.651(c)(2) Means of egress from trench excavations 759 citations
- 1926.651(c)(1)(i) 9 citations
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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 2026-10-20
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.