1926.652(d)(2): Using Manufactured Trench Protective Equipment
Manufactured materials and equipment used for excavation protective systems must be used and maintained consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations and in a way that prevents employee exposure to hazards.
Key takeaways
- 1926.652(d)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $207,070 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (3), MA (2), OH (2).
- Related part: 1926.652(d) Materials and equipment (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.652(d)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.652 Requirements for protective systems, 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
(2) Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems shall be used and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer, and in a manner that will prevent employee exposure to hazards. 20 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.652.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: IL (3), MA (2), OH (2), WI (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $165,514 |
| WOOFTER CONSTRUCTION & IRRIGATION INC | COLBY, KS | $9,268 |
| MAURO SEWER CONSTRUCTION, INC. | WILMETTE, IL | $8,000 |
| MASTER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | FARGO, ND | $5,324 |
| PAPPAS COMPANY, LTD. | WILMETTE, IL | $5,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.652(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.652(d)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.652(d) Materials and equipment 40 citations
- 1926.652(d)(1) 15 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
How must trench boxes and shoring be used?
Consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations and in a way that will prevent employee exposure to hazards.
Does this include maintenance?
Yes. Equipment must be used and maintained that way.
What kind of equipment is covered?
Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.652 (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.