1926.760(d): Fall Protection Equipment Criteria in Steel Erection
Steel erection employers must use guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems and their components that conform to the criteria in 1926.502. Fall restraint systems must use fall arrest components meeting 1926.502 and either body belts or body harnesses, and perimeter safety cables must meet the guardrail criteria in 1926.502.
Key takeaways
- 1926.760(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $63,855 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (3), GA (1), NY (1).
- Related part: 1926.760(d)(1) (9 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.760(d) ("Criteria for fall protection equipment") is one requirement inside 1926.760 Fall protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 3 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
(d) Criteria for fall protection equipment. 11 citations
(1) Guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems and their components shall conform to the criteria in § 1926.502 (see appendix G to this subpart). Open (d)(1) 9 citations
(2) Fall arrest system components shall be used in fall restraint systems and shall conform to the criteria in § 1926.502 (see appendix G). Either body belts or body harnesses shall be used in fall restraint systems. Open (d)(2) 2 citations
(3) Perimeter safety cables shall meet the criteria for guardrail systems in § 1926.502 (see appendix G). Open (d)(3)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.760.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.760(d).
At 3:00 p.m. on December 15, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a roofing contractor. Employee #1 was installing roofing insulation and metal sheeting when he stepped on the foam insulation board and fell through to the ground. Employee #1 suffered a fatality due to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: PA (3), GA (1), NY (1), IL (1), TN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| K POST COMPANY | WESTLAKE, TX | $16,550 |
| EASTERN CONSTRUCTORS INCORPORATED | ELLABELL, GA | $15,625 |
| A.W. STILES CONTRACTORS INC. | SMYRNA, NY | $11,292 |
| JUAN CORDONA | HARRISBURG, PA | $7,282 |
| GWALTNEY LLC | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $6,606 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.760(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification regarding hazard access zones in steel erection (2014-06-19)
- Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. (2004-03-04)
- Applicability of the steel erection standard to repair and installation of metal roofing and roofing accessories. (2002-11-08)
- Steel erection standard requirements concerning installation of perimeter safety cable. (2002-07-17)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.760(d)(1) 9 citations
- 1926.760(d)(2) 2 citations
- 1926.760(d)(3)
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
What criteria must steel erection fall protection meet?
The criteria in 1926.502 (see appendix G to subpart R).
Can body belts be used in fall restraint?
Yes. Either body belts or body harnesses shall be used in fall restraint systems.
What rules apply to perimeter safety cables?
They must meet the criteria for guardrail systems in 1926.502.
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.