1926.651(c): Getting In and Out of Excavations
Employers must have a competent person design structural ramps used by workers to enter or leave excavations, and a competent person qualified in structural design for equipment ramps. Ramp members must be connected, of even thickness, and cleated to prevent tripping and slipping. Trenches 4 feet or deeper need a stairway, ladder or ramp within 25 feet of lateral travel.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 773 times in the last 3 years, in 750 inspections, with $6,501,498 in current penalties.
- 13 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (80), OH (41), FL (40).
- Related part: 1926.651(c)(2) Means of egress from trench excavations (761 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(c) ("Access and egress") is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). It includes 7 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
(c) Access and egress — 773 citations
(1) Structural ramps. Open (c)(1) 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.
(2) Means of egress from trench excavations. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees. Open (c)(2) 761 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
13 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(c).
At 10:55 a.m. on February 17, 2025, Employee #1 was working in a 5.5-foot-wideby 7-foot-deep trench lubricating a water pipe for a water project. Employee #1 was tasked with preparing the water pipes so they could be connected. He kneeleddown to lubricate a pipe when…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 269 |
| 2025 | 240 |
| 2026 | 198 |
Top states: TX (80), OH (41), FL (40), IL (37), PA (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| REVOLI CONSTRUCTION CO., INC | SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA | $1,919,828 |
| WAGNER CONSTRUCTION INC | MINOT, ND | $773,440 |
| BLAZEY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC | ALVIN, TX | $165,514 |
| S&J DITCHING LLC AND JOHN COVEY INDIVIDUALLY | KANSAS CITY, MO | $88,728 |
| LACKO POURED WALLS, LLC | GROVE CITY, OH | $57,930 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Can a person who qualifies as a "competent" person under one section of support P also qualify as a competent designer of structural ramps under 1926.651(c)(1)(i)?. (2010-07-01)
- Removing ladders during trenching activities; compliance with 29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2). (2009-03-17)
- Evaluation of the use of aluminum forms as an exit route from trench excavations (2004-05-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(c)(2) Means of egress from trench excavations 761 citations
- 1926.651(c)(1)(i) 9 citations
- 1926.651(c)(1) Structural ramps 9 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must design an excavation ramp?
A competent person for ramps used only by employees. Ramps used by equipment must be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design.
When does a trench need a ladder or ramp?
When it is 4 feet or more deep.
How far apart must trench exits be?
Close enough that workers travel no more than 25 feet sideways to reach one.
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.