1926.706(b): Bracing Masonry Walls Over Eight Feet
Employers must adequately brace all masonry walls over eight feet in height to prevent overturning and collapse, unless the wall is adequately supported so it will not overturn or collapse. Bracing must stay in place until permanent supporting elements of the structure are in place.
Key takeaways
- 1926.706(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $30,679 in current penalties.
- Most citations: KY (5), VA (4), WI (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.706(b) is one requirement inside 1926.706 Requirements for masonry construction, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart Q). 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
(b) All masonry walls over eight feet in height shall be adequately braced to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse unless the wall is adequately supported so that it will not overturn or collapse. The bracing shall remain in place until permanent supporting elements of the structure are in place. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.706.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: KY (5), VA (4), WI (1), NY (1), GA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| M-6 CONTRACTING, INC. | SOUTH BOSTON, VA | $6,822 |
| FORM CONSTRUCTION, LLC | SAVANNAH, GA | $3,972 |
| 67051 - HARMONY HB LLC | LEXINGTON, KY | $3,500 |
| 69085 - BC CONSTRUCTION LLC | HARRODSBURG, KY | $3,500 |
| 69286 - WESLEY GAFFNEY | HARRODSBURG, KY | $3,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.706(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.706(b).
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Frequently asked questions
Which masonry walls must be braced?
All masonry walls over eight feet in height, unless adequately supported otherwise.
What is the bracing for?
To prevent overturning and to prevent collapse.
When can bracing be removed?
Not until the permanent supporting elements of the structure are in place.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.706 (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.