1926.760(b)(3): Connector Fall Protection from 15 to 30 Feet
Each steel erection connector working at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level must be provided with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system and wear the equipment needed to tie off, or be provided with other fall protection under paragraph (a)(1).
Key takeaways
- 1926.760(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $79,415 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GA (3), MO (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1926.760(b) Connectors (17 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.760(b)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.760 Fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). 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
(3) Be provided, at heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level, with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system and wear the equipment necessary to be able to be tied off; or be provided with other means of protection from fall hazards in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.760.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: GA (3), MO (2), NJ (2), TX (2), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BANDINI CONSTRUCTION, LLC | ROME, GA | $16,550 |
| EAST COAST METAL STRUCTURES LLC | ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL | $11,953 |
| ACCENT FENCE INC. | EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ | $11,292 |
| ARC INDUSTRIES LLC | GUYTON, GA | $8,873 |
| FPL FABRICATORS & ERECTORS GROUP LLC | BELLEVILLE, NJ | $6,452 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.760(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluation if moving point-to-point on concrete wall to make initial connections of structural steel is "connecting" work; landing loads on systems-engineered metal building. (2005-04-05)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.760(b) Connectors 17 citations
- 1926.760(b)(1) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What height range does this connector rule cover?
Heights over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level.
What equipment must connectors have?
A personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system, and they must wear the equipment necessary to be able to tie off.
Is there another option?
Yes, other means of protection from fall hazards in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of 1926.760.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.760 (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.
