{ "schema": "amendsignal.record/1", "generated_on": "2026-11-02", "publisher": { "name": "AmendSignal", "url": "https://amendsignal.com/" }, "notice": "Coverage is limited, so a missing record does not mean nothing changed. General information, not legal advice. Check the official source. Please cite the record's url.", "change": { "id": 16, "url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/occupational-safety-and-health-administration-revokes-its-house-falls-in-marine-terminals-standard/", "title": "Occupational Safety and Health Administration revokes its House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "change_type": "final_rule", "change_type_label": "Final rule", "status": "effective", "status_label": "In effect", "status_statement": "As of our last check on November 2, 2026, this is in effect, since April 17, 2026.", "significance": "No new requirements", "jurisdiction": { "code": "US", "name": "United States" }, "authority": { "name": "Occupational Safety and Health Administration", "short_name": "OSHA" }, "identifiers": [ { "type": "fr_document_number", "label": "FR document", "value": "2026-07600" }, { "type": "fr_citation", "label": "Citation", "value": "91 FR 20583" }, { "type": "rin", "label": "RIN", "value": "1218-AD52" }, { "type": "docket_id", "label": "Docket", "value": "Docket No. OSHA-2025-0008" }, { "type": "cfr_citation", "label": "CFR", "value": "29 CFR 1917" } ], "dates": [ { "type": "publication", "label": "Published", "value": "2026-04-17", "precision": "day" }, { "type": "effective", "label": "Effective", "value": "2026-04-17", "precision": "day" } ], "in_short": { "what_changed": "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) removed its House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard, section 1917.41 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), effective April 17, 2026. That standard covered span beams, safe access and daily gear inspections for house fall operations.", "whos_affected": "Employers in marine terminal and longshoring operations, such as port and harbor operations and marine cargo handling. OSHA-approved State Plans do not have to change their own standards.", "what_to_do": "This rule creates no new duties for employers. If your terminal still uses house falls, OSHA says the Occupational Safety and Health Act's general duty clause still requires you to protect employees from the known hazards of that use." }, "summary": "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revoked its House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard, effective April 17, 2026. OSHA found that the standard is no longer needed because marine terminals generally no longer use house falls to move cargo. The rule removes requirements and creates no new duties for employers.", "business_functions": { "state": "limited", "functions": [ { "slug": "workplace-safety", "name": "Workplace safety" } ] }, "added_on": "2026-11-02", "updated_on": null, "updates_in_progress": null, "last_checked": "2026-11-02", "record_url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/occupational-safety-and-health-administration-revokes-its-house-falls-in-marine-terminals-standard/record.json", "what_changed": [ { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA revoked its House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard at 29 CFR 1917.41.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "I. Executive Summary", "excerpt": "This final rule revokes OSHA's House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard, 29 CFR 1917.41" } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "The removed standard required that span beams be secured, that employees working with house fall blocks have a safe means of access, and that designated employees inspect loose gear used in house fall operations before each day's use.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "III. Background", "excerpt": "The House Falls Standard requires that: span beams be secured to prevent accidental dislodgement; a safe means of access be provided for employees working with house fall blocks; and designated employees inspect chains, links, shackles, swivels, blocks and other loose gear used in house fall operations before each day's use." } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA says the marine terminals industry no longer uses house falls because most cargo is containerized and moved by cranes, and OSHA has no record of citations under the standard.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "the marine terminals industry does not currently employ house falls because most cargo has been containerized and is moved by cranes" }, { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "OSHA has no records of any citations for a violation of this standard" } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA-approved State Plans are not required to change their existing standards because of this rule.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "VI.A. Requirements for States With OSHA-Approved State Plans", "excerpt": "Consequently, State Plans are not obligated to make any changes to their existing standards in response to this final rule." } ] } ], "who_is_affected": [ { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA says employers in marine terminal and longshoring operations are the only industries affected by removing the standard.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "This final rule will, however, result in a net cost savings for employers in marine terminal and longshoring operations, which are the only industries throughout OSHA's jurisdiction affected by the rescission of 29 CFR 1917.41." } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA estimates 2,617 establishments are affected, in port and harbor operations, marine cargo handling, navigational services to shipping, and other support activities for water transportation.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "OSHA estimates that there are currently 2,617 establishments in maritime affected by OSHA standards addressing house falls" }, { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "These establishments are found in the following industries: Port and Harbor Operations (NAICS 488310), Marine Cargo Handling (NAICS 488320), Navigational Services to Shipping (NAICS 488330), and Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (NAICS 488390)." } ] }, { "kind": "inference", "kind_label": "Our analysis", "text": "Employers in states with OSHA-approved State Plans may still be subject to a state version of the house falls rule, because State Plans may keep stricter standards and are not required to drop theirs.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "VI.A. Requirements for States With OSHA-Approved State Plans", "excerpt": "State Plans do not have to amend their standards, although they may opt to do so." }, { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "VI.A. Requirements for States With OSHA-Approved State Plans", "excerpt": "allows State Plans to be more stringent than OSHA in protecting the safety and health of workers in their respective jurisdictions" } ] } ], "business_implications": [ { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA estimates annual cost savings of $15,377 across the industry, with a mid-range estimate of $9,115, mostly from less time spent learning the standard.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "OSHA estimates that this deregulatory action will result in $15,377 in cost savings annually." }, { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "OSHA estimates that this would result in cost savings of $9,115 annually." } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "OSHA says that where house falls are still used in rare cases, employers in marine terminals would remain obligated under the general duty clause to protect employees from the known hazards.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "if OSHSPA is correct and house falls are still used in rare cases, and OSHA revokes its house falls standard, employers in marine terminals would be obligated under the OSH Act's general duty clause (29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)) to protect employees from the known hazards arising from their use" } ] }, { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "The rule adds no new paperwork or information collection requirements.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "VI.B. OMB Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995", "excerpt": "This final rule imposes no new information collection requirements" } ] }, { "kind": "inference", "kind_label": "Our analysis", "text": "For most terminals, the practical change is small: OSHA believes house falls are not in current use, so the main effect is that safety staff no longer need to learn or train on this standard.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "OSHA's estimate of cost savings may underestimate total cost savings if the elimination of the labor burden for regulatory familiarization extends to the avoidance of unnecessary safety training of employees." } ] } ], "required_actions": [ { "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "text": "Employers in marine terminals that still use house falls remain obligated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act's general duty clause to protect employees from the known hazards of that use.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "if OSHSPA is correct and house falls are still used in rare cases, and OSHA revokes its house falls standard, employers in marine terminals would be obligated under the OSH Act's general duty clause (29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)) to protect employees from the known hazards arising from their use" } ] } ], "recommended_actions": [ { "kind": "recommendation", "kind_label": "Our suggestion", "text": "Consider confirming whether any of your terminal operations still use house falls, and if so, keep hazard controls in place for that work.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "if OSHSPA is correct and house falls are still used in rare cases, and OSHA revokes its house falls standard, employers in marine terminals would be obligated under the OSH Act's general duty clause (29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)) to protect employees from the known hazards arising from their use" } ] }, { "kind": "recommendation", "kind_label": "Our suggestion", "text": "Consider updating safety program documents and training materials that cite 29 CFR 1917.41.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "eliminate the time necessary for new establishments and newly hired occupational health and safety specialists at existing establishments to familiarize themselves with the requirements found in 29 CFR 1917.41" } ] }, { "kind": "recommendation", "kind_label": "Our suggestion", "text": "If you operate in a state with an OSHA-approved State Plan, consider checking whether the state keeps its own house falls standard.", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "VI.A. Requirements for States With OSHA-Approved State Plans", "excerpt": "State Plans do not have to amend their standards, although they may opt to do so." } ] } ], "required_actions_assessment": null, "applicability": [ { "criterion": "where", "label": "Where", "answer": "United States, nationwide", "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "evidence": [] }, { "criterion": "employer_type", "label": "Employers", "answer": "Employers in marine terminal and longshoring operations.", "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "This final rule will, however, result in a net cost savings for employers in marine terminal and longshoring operations, which are the only industries throughout OSHA's jurisdiction affected by the rescission of 29 CFR 1917.41." } ] }, { "criterion": "size", "label": "Size", "answer": "The rule sets no size threshold, and OSHA certifies it will not have a significant economic impact on small entities.", "kind": "inference", "kind_label": "Our analysis", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "OSHA certifies that it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" } ] }, { "criterion": "industries", "label": "Industries", "answer": "Water transportation support: port and harbor operations, marine cargo handling, navigational services to shipping and related support activities.", "kind": "fact", "kind_label": "From the source", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "These establishments are found in the following industries: Port and Harbor Operations (NAICS 488310), Marine Cargo Handling (NAICS 488320), Navigational Services to Shipping (NAICS 488330), and Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (NAICS 488390)." } ] }, { "criterion": "functions", "label": "Functions", "answer": "Workplace safety teams, especially occupational health and safety specialists.", "kind": "inference", "kind_label": "Our analysis", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "V. Final Economic Analysis", "excerpt": "eliminate the time necessary for new establishments and newly hired occupational health and safety specialists at existing establishments to familiarize themselves with the requirements found in 29 CFR 1917.41" } ] }, { "criterion": "applies_if", "label": "Applies if", "answer": "Your workers load, unload or otherwise handle cargo in a marine terminal.", "kind": "inference", "kind_label": "Our analysis", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "III. Background", "excerpt": "The Marine Terminals Standards apply to work such as loading, unloading, movement or other handling of cargo in marine terminals" } ] }, { "criterion": "action", "label": "Action", "answer": "No new duties; consider updating safety materials and checking for any remaining house fall use.", "kind": "recommendation", "kind_label": "Our suggestion", "evidence": [ { "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "locator": "IV. Explanation of the Revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard", "excerpt": "if OSHSPA is correct and house falls are still used in rare cases, and OSHA revokes its house falls standard, employers in marine terminals would be obligated under the OSH Act's general duty clause (29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)) to protect employees from the known hazards arising from their use" } ] } ], "open_questions": [ { "question": "Will states with OSHA-approved State Plans keep their own house falls standards?", "context": "The rule says State Plans do not have to amend their standards but may choose to, and it does not say which will." }, { "question": "Are house falls still in use at some marine terminals?", "context": "One commenter said house falls are still in use, but OSHA says the commenter gave no supporting information and it could not assess the claim." } ], "events": [ { "event_type": "originating_action", "label": "Issued", "occurred_on": "2026-04-17", "summary": "House Falls in Marine Terminals", "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals" } ], "corrections": [], "sources": [ { "label": "House Falls in Marine Terminals, 91 FR 20583 (April 17, 2026)", "publisher": "Federal Register", "role": "primary", "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/17/2026-07600/house-falls-in-marine-terminals", "pdf_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-17/pdf/2026-07600.pdf" } ] } }