1926.651(i): Stability of Adjacent Structures
Where excavation endangers adjoining buildings, walls or structures, employers must provide support systems such as shoring, bracing or underpinning. Excavating below a foundation or retaining wall footing that could pose a hazard is not allowed unless underpinning is provided, the excavation is in stable rock, or a registered professional engineer approves, and sidewalks and pavements must not be undermined without protection.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 117 times in the last 3 years, in 111 inspections, with $977,258 in current penalties.
- 8 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (12), TX (11), IL (8).
- Related part: 1926.651(i)(3) (75 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(i) ("Stability of adjacent structures") 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
(i) Stability of adjacent structures. 117 citations
(1) Where the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations, support systems such as shoring, bracing, or underpinning shall be provided to ensure the stability of such structures for the protection of employees. Open (i)(1) 32 citations
(2) Excavation below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall that could be reasonably expected to pose a hazard to employees shall not be permitted except when: Open (i)(2) 10 citations
(i) A support system, such as underpinning, is provided to ensure the safety of employees and the stability of the structure; or 4 citations
(ii) The excavation is in stable rock; or
(iii) A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that the structure is sufficently removed from the excavation so as to be unaffected by the excavation activity; or
(iv) A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that such excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees.
(3) Sidewalks, pavements, and appurtenant structure shall not be undermined unless a support system or another method of protection is provided to protect employees from the possible collapse of such structures. Open (i)(3) 75 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
8 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(i).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Top states: NY (12), TX (11), IL (8), OH (8), FL (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALECKSSANDRO TOMAZ PEREIRA | HANSON, MA | $209,720 |
| W.G. NY CONSTRUCTION CORP. | BROOKLYN, NY | $115,860 |
| JAB INDUSTRIES, INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $72,826 |
| TRYCON CONCRETE, INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $51,774 |
| CPX2026XJW184X0220 - 3QO, LLC DBA 3QO PLUMBING | GLENDALE, AZ | $23,646 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 29 CFR 1926.651(i)(1); excavation operations. (2006-01-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(i)(3) 75 citations
- 1926.651(i)(1) 32 citations
- 1926.651(i)(2) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can we dig below a building's footing?
Not if it could reasonably pose a hazard, unless there is a support system, stable rock, or a registered professional engineer's approval as the rule describes.
What support systems does the rule mention?
Shoring, bracing or underpinning.
Can we undermine a sidewalk?
Not unless a support system or other protection protects employees from possible collapse.
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.