1926.757(b): Attachment of steel joists and steel joist girders
Key takeaways
- 1926.757(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- Related part: 1926.757(b)(3).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.757(b) ("Attachment of steel joists and steel joist girders") is one requirement inside 1926.757 Open web steel joists, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 4 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
(b) Attachment of steel joists and steel joist girders.
(1) Each end of “K” series steel joists shall be attached to the support structure with a minimum of two 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) fillet welds 1 inch (25 mm) long or with two 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) bolts, or the equivalent. Open (b)(1)
(2) Each end of “LH” and “DLH” series steel joists and steel joist girders shall be attached to the support structure with a minimum of two 1⁄4-inch (6 mm) fillet welds 2 inches (51 mm) long, or with two 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) bolts, or the equivalent. Open (b)(2)
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, each steel joist shall be attached to the support structure, at least at one end on both sides of the seat, immediately upon placement in the final erection position and before additional joists are placed. Open (b)(3)
(4) Panels that have been pre-assembled from steel joists with bridging shall be attached to the structure at each corner before the hoisting cables are released.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.757.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Permissibility of the welding of joists over 40-feet in length, while the hoisting line is kept in place, instead of field bolting. (2003-11-20)
- Field bolting and welding requirements for steel joist assembly (2002-10-22)
- Clarification of steel erection joist field-bolting requirements in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart R. (2002-08-15)
Related parts of this rule
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.757 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.