Fall protection, lifejacket, and lifesaving requirements when working over or near water.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 28, 1999

Mr. Douglas F. Walters
Safety Director
Jones Bros., Inc.
P.O. Box 727
Mt. Juliet, TN 37121

RE: 29 CFR 1926 SUBPART M, 1926.105, and 1926.106

Dear Mr. Walters:

Life jacket and skiff requirements when working over or near water.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 5, 2003

Rodney Von Holten
Safety Director
Halverson Construction Co., Inc.
620 North 19th
P.O. Box 6039
Springfield, IL 62708

Re: Life jacket and skiff requirements in 29 CFR 1926.106.

Dear Mr. Von Holten:

Requirement to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for workers performing construction work over or near water does not specify type or classification.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 2, 2004

Mr. Pete Kelley
Vice President
Superior Construction Company, Inc.
General Contractors
6972 Business Park Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32256-2735

Re: Requirement to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for workers performing construction work over or near water.

Dear Mr. Kelley:

Life jacket/buoyant work vest requirements for employees working over water <2 feet deep; requirements for lifesaving skiffs.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 23, 2004

Lynn Raper
Safety Director
Cape Romain Contractors, Inc.
660 Cape Romain Road
Wando, South Carolina 29492

Re: §1926.106(a) and 1926.106(d)

Dear Ms. Raper:

This is in response to your fax of July 1, 2004. We have paraphrased your questions below:

Question (1): Under §1926.106(a) would a life jacket or buoyant work vest be required where employees are working over water that is less than 2 feet deep where they could easily stand up?

Answer:

Whether construction workers while inside crane cabs or enclosed break areas on barges are required to wear life jackets.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 19, 2006

Scott A. Knowlen
Cianbro
One Hunnewell Square
P.O. Box 1000
Pittsfield, Maine 04967

Re: Whether construction workers while inside crane cabs or enclosed break areas on barges are required to wear life jackets

Dear Mr. Knowlen,