1926.859: Mechanical Demolition
Employers doing demolition with a ball or clam must keep workers out of areas that can be affected while balling or clamming is done, and limit others to those needed. The rule limits ball weight, requires a short boom and loadline, a swivel connection, cutting steel free and removing cornices before pulling walls, and continuing inspections by a competent person.
Key takeaways
- 1926.859 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart T).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $104,421 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (3), PA (2), MS (2).
- Most-cited part: 1926.859(g) (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.859, "Mechanical demolition", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart T). It has 7 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 1926.859 (7 paragraphs)
(a) No workers shall be permitted in any area, which can be adversely affected by demolition operations, when balling or clamming is being performed. Only those workers necessary for the performance of the operations shall be permitted in this area at any other time. Open (a) 3 citations
(b) The weight of the demolition ball shall not exceed 50 percent of the crane's rated load, based on the length of the boom and the maximum angle of operation at which the demolition ball will be used, or it shall not exceed 25 percent of the nominal breaking strength of the line by which it is suspended, whichever results in a lesser value.
(c) The crane boom and loadline shall be as short as possible.
(d) The ball shall be attached to the loadline with a swivel-type connection to prevent twisting of the loadline, and shall be attached by positive means in such manner that the weight cannot become accidentally disconnected.
(e) When pulling over walls or portions thereof, all steel members affected shall have been previously cut free.
(f) All roof cornices or other such ornamental stonework shall be removed prior to pulling walls over.
(g) During demolition, continuing inspections by a competent person shall be made as the work progresses to detect hazards resulting from weakened or deteriorated floors, or walls, or loosened material. No employee shall be permitted to work where such hazards exist until they are corrected by shoring, bracing, or other effective means. Open (g) 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.859.
At 6:45 a.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer and was tearing down a hotel entrance canopy. The canopy also served as a carport for arriving guests. Employee #1 was under the canopy when it suddenlycollapsed. Employee #1 was…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NY (3), PA (2), MS (2), NJ (1), AK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| T.L. WALLACE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | D LO, MS | $16,550 |
| ALASKA DEMOLITION, LLC | GIRDWOOD, AK | $16,131 |
| ANDERSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. | FOREST, MS | $12,000 |
| COURTCON, INC. | BAR HARBOR, ME | $11,585 |
| AN CONCRETE & MUCH MORE LLC | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.859, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.859.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.859(g) 13 citations
- 1926.859(a) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Who may be in the area during balling or clamming?
No workers may be in any area that can be adversely affected while balling or clamming is being performed.
How heavy can a demolition ball be?
No more than 50 percent of the crane's rated load, or 25 percent of the nominal breaking strength of the line suspending it, whichever results in a lesser value.
Who inspects during demolition?
A competent person must make continuing inspections as the work progresses to detect hazards from weakened floors or walls or loosened material.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.859 (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.