1926.755: Anchoring and Bracing Steel Columns
Steel erectors must anchor every column with at least 4 anchor rods, designed with the base weld and foundation to resist a 300-pound eccentric load 18 inches from the outer face of the column in each direction at the top. Columns must sit on adequate level bases, a competent person must decide if guying or bracing is needed, and anchor rods may not be repaired, replaced or field-modified without the structural engineer of record's approval.
Key takeaways
- 1926.755 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $382,280 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (3), ME (3), MN (1).
- Most-cited part: 1926.755(b) Repair, replacement or field modification of anchor rods (anchor bolts) (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1926.755 ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.755, "Column anchorage", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It has 8 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.755 (8 paragraphs)
(a) General requirements for erection stability. Open (a) 5 citations
(1) All columns shall be anchored by a minimum of 4 anchor rods (anchor bolts). Open (a)(1) 4 citations
(2) Each column anchor rod (anchor bolt) assembly, including the column-to-base plate weld and the column foundation, shall be designed to resist a minimum eccentric gravity load of 300 pounds (136.2 kg) located 18 inches (.46m) from the extreme outer face of the column in each direction at the top of the column shaft. Open (a)(2)
(3) Columns shall be set on level finished floors, pre-grouted leveling plates, leveling nuts, or shim packs which are adequate to transfer the construction loads.
(4) All columns shall be evaluated by a competent person to determine whether guying or bracing is needed; if guying or bracing is needed, it shall be installed. 1 citations
(b) Repair, replacement or field modification of anchor rods (anchor bolts). Open (b) 5 citations
(1) Anchor rods (anchor bolts) shall not be repaired, replaced or field-modified without the approval of the project structural engineer of record. 3 citations
(2) Prior to the erection of a column, the controlling contractor shall provide written notification to the steel erector if there has been any repair, replacement or modification of the anchor rods (anchor bolts) of that column. Open (b)(2) 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 7 inspections cited 1926.755 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: VA (3), ME (3), MN (1), GA (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SAMET CORPORATION | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $169,115 |
| MABE STEEL, INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $153,740 |
| 108431 - HAGE - CO INC DBA HAGE HOMES | HUGO, MN | $25,000 |
| LEN POULIN, INC. | BENTON, ME | $17,874 |
| A 1 IRON WORKS NY CORP | MONROE, NY | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.755, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.755.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.755(b) Repair, replacement or field modification of anchor rods (anchor bolts) 5 citations
- 1926.755(a) General requirements for erection stability 5 citations
- 1926.755(a)(1) 4 citations
- 1926.755(b)(2) 2 citations
- 1926.755(a)(2)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How many anchor rods does a steel column need?
A minimum of 4 anchor rods.
Can anchor bolts be cut or bent in the field?
Not without the approval of the project structural engineer of record.
Who decides if a column needs guying or bracing?
A competent person must evaluate all columns, and any needed guying or bracing must be installed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.755 (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 2026-11-06
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.