Rollover protective structures

Under 1926 Subpart W, earthmoving and related equipment that can roll over must be equipped with ROPS when designed and operated in ways that expose the operator to rollover hazards. See 1926 Subpart W for the general requirement.

• Typical examples include wheel loaders, crawler tractors, dozers, backhoes, and scraper tractors when used in operations with rollover risk.
• If an item of equipment can reasonably be expected to roll over during normal construction use, it should have a ROPS fitted or be operated in a manner that eliminates the rollover risk.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Yes. When a machine is equipped with a ROPS, operators must wear the seat belt provided to maximize occupant protection in a rollover event. See 1926 Subpart W for the related protective requirements.

• The ROPS and seat belt work together: the ROPS maintains a survival space while the seat belt keeps the operator within that space.
• If a seat belt is missing, damaged, or not functioning, the equipment should not be operated until the belt is repaired or replaced.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

ROPS should be inspected before use and regularly as part of equipment maintenance to ensure they are sound, securely attached, and free of cracks, severe corrosion, or deformation. See 1926 Subpart W for the standard requirement.

• Inspect mounting points, welds, fasteners, and any hardware for damage or loosening.
• Check for cracks, bends, corrosion, or any repairs that might compromise the structural integrity.
• Verify that seat belts and anchorages are functional and not frayed or damaged.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

No. A ROPS that has been subjected to a rollover or significant impact must be removed from service and evaluated and repaired or replaced before reuse. See 1926 Subpart W for the requirement to maintain protective structures.

• Any visible deformation, cracks, bent members, or damaged mounts require the ROPS to be repaired by a qualified person or replaced.
• Keep records of inspections and repairs as part of your maintenance program to demonstrate corrective action.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Yes, aftermarket or retrofit ROPS are allowed provided they are designed, installed, and maintained to provide protection equivalent to the original equipment and are properly attached to the machine. See 1926 Subpart W for the subpart requirements.

• Use retrofit kits or aftermarket ROPS that have engineering documentation or manufacturer certification showing they meet applicable performance criteria.
• Installation must follow the retrofit kit manufacturer’s instructions and be performed by qualified personnel; check mounting strength and clearances after installation.
• After installation, inspect and test anchorages and ensure the seat belt system is compatible and functional.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Under 1926 Subpart W, overhead protection is required where operations create hazards from falling objects or where equipment operations could expose workers on foot to overhead hazards; the protection must be of adequate strength and design for the hazard. See 1926 Subpart W for requirements related to overhead protection.

• Overhead protection (canopies, guards) should be installed on equipment when there is a risk of falling objects striking the operator or other workers.
• The protection must not impair visibility or create new hazards; maintain clearances and secure mounting.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

The employer is responsible for ensuring that ROPS and overhead protection are provided, properly installed, maintained, and used according to the requirements in 1926 Subpart W.

• Employers must identify equipment that needs protection, supply compliant ROPS or overhead guards, and enforce safe use (including seat belt use).
• Employers should train operators on proper use, inspection, and reporting of ROPS or overhead protection issues.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

A modified machine must retain or be fitted with ROPS and overhead protection that provide the same level of protection as required by 1926 Subpart W for the machine’s intended use.

• Any modification (like adding a cab) that affects structural attachments, center of gravity, or operator space must be evaluated by a qualified person to confirm ROPS adequacy.
• Maintain engineering documentation showing that the modified configuration meets performance requirements and that seat belt anchorages remain effective.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

No. Operators must not remove ROPS for convenience or improved visibility when the equipment is being used in operations that present rollover hazards; ROPS must remain in place and serviceable as required by 1926 Subpart W.

• Temporary removal may be allowed only if the employer can demonstrate the machine will not be operated in conditions that create rollover risk and the removal is part of an approved modification or repair.
• If ROPS are removed, do not operate the equipment in areas or tasks where a rollover could occur until ROPS are restored.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Seat belts must be anchored and maintained so they function reliably and secure the operator within the protective envelope provided by the ROPS as required by 1926 Subpart W.

• Anchorages must be strong enough to withstand rollover forces; if anchorages show signs of deformation, corrosion, or failure, they must be repaired or replaced.
• Inspect belts for fraying, cuts, and proper latching; replace any compromised belt before returning equipment to service.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers should keep inspection and repair records that demonstrate ROPS and overhead protection are maintained and corrected when defects are found in accordance with 1926 Subpart W.

• Records can include pre-use inspection checklists, maintenance logs, repair invoices, and engineering evaluations after rollovers or significant modifications.
• These records help show compliance and support decisions about equipment serviceability and replacement.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers must evaluate older equipment without ROPS and either equip it with an approved ROPS or restrict its use to tasks and locations where rollover hazards are eliminated, consistent with 1926 Subpart W.

• Conduct a hazard assessment to determine if the machine will be exposed to slopes, unstable ground, or operations that risk rollovers.
• Where ROPS cannot be installed, limit the equipment to low-risk tasks, or replace the machine with one that has ROPS.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

After a rollover incident, the employer must take the machine out of service until the ROPS, seat belt, and mountings are inspected and repaired or replaced as needed to meet the requirements of 1926 Subpart W.

• Perform a documented inspection by a qualified person to determine structural damage and necessary repairs.
• Repair or replace damaged ROPS and any related components (seat belts, anchorages) before returning the machine to service.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

A ‘‘qualified person’’ for inspecting or repairing ROPS is someone with the training, knowledge, and experience to identify existing and predictable hazards and to specify corrective measures in line with 1926 Subpart W.

• This may include manufacturer service technicians, certified welders, engineers, or maintenance staff who have documented training in ROPS design, installation, and inspection.
• Employers should keep documentation of the person’s qualifications and inspection or repair reports.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers must train operators on the purpose, proper use, inspection, and limitations of ROPS and overhead protection so they can operate equipment safely in compliance with 1926 Subpart W.

• Training topics should include how ROPS and seat belts function together, pre-use inspection steps, reporting defects, and restrictions on removing protective structures.
• Provide refresher training after incidents, equipment modifications, or observed unsafe behavior.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

ROPS requirements under 1926 Subpart W apply based on the machine’s use and rollover risk rather than solely on size; machines that present rollover hazards must have ROPS appropriate to their configuration and intended operation. See 1926 Subpart W.

• Smaller machines with rollover risk still require adequate protective structures scaled to their design.
• Use manufacturer guidance or engineering evaluation to ensure the ROPS design matches the machine’s size and application.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers should ensure ROPS certification plates or labels remain legible and attached; if the plate is missing or unreadable, obtain documentation from the manufacturer or a qualified person confirming the ROPS meets required standards as described in 1926 Subpart W.

• Do not operate under the assumption of compliance if the certification is missing—verify through manufacturer records or engineering evaluation.
• Keep copies of certification or retrofit documentation with the equipment maintenance file.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

If utility or industrial vehicles used on construction sites are exposed to rollover hazards during their intended construction use, they must be equipped with appropriate ROPS as required by 1926 Subpart W.

• Assess each vehicle’s tasks and work environment—vehicles operating on slopes, rough terrain, or near edges likely need ROPS.
• If a vehicle is limited to paved surfaces and controlled tasks with negligible rollover risk, ROPS might not be necessary, but document the hazard assessment.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

If a ROPS interferes with controls or visibility, employers must not simply remove it; instead they must evaluate alternatives such as adjusting the ROPS design, installing a modified ROPS that meets performance criteria, or changing the work procedure to eliminate the conflict in line with 1926 Subpart W.

• Consult the equipment manufacturer or a qualified engineer to design a compliant ROPS solution that preserves visibility and control access.
• Until a compliant solution is implemented, restrict the machine’s use or assign alternative equipment.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

ROPS performance is primarily structural; however, operators should follow manufacturer guidance on cabin enclosures because door and window configurations can affect occupant retention systems and visibility during rollover situations as contemplated by 1926 Subpart W.

• Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions regarding cabin operation, including doors and windows, to ensure seat belts, restraints, and visibility function as intended.
• Do not operate with doors or windows removed if doing so creates an increased risk to the operator or undermines the protective envelope.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers must assess any temporary attachments that change a machine’s center of gravity and, if they affect rollover risk, ensure the ROPS and machine configuration remain adequate under 1926 Subpart W.

• Perform an engineering evaluation before using attachments that alter stability to confirm ROPS and seat belt anchorage adequacy.
• Modify work procedures or equipment if the attachment increases rollover risk, and document the assessment and corrective measures.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Overhead protection must guard against the types of falling objects reasonably expected from the specific jobsite operations, as required by 1926 Subpart W.

• Assess jobsite tasks (material handling, demolition, loading) and design overhead guards to stop or deflect likely falling hazards.
• Use appropriately rated materials and ensure guards are anchored and maintained to withstand expected impacts.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

When acquiring new equipment, employers should verify the machine is supplied with compliant ROPS and overhead protection or that such protection can be installed, per the expectations of 1926 Subpart W.

• Require documentation from vendors showing ROPS certification or manufacturer testing data.
• Confirm seat belts and anchorages are installed and that operator visibility and control access meet safety needs.
• If a machine lacks ROPS and will be used in rollover-risk tasks, insist on factory-installed ROPS or an approved retrofit before purchase.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

Employers must ensure rented equipment brought onto the jobsite has ROPS and overhead protection appropriate for the planned work, and they should inspect the equipment upon arrival as required by 1926 Subpart W.

• Verify with the rental company that the equipment is equipped with compliant ROPS and that seat belts are operational.
• Conduct a pre-use inspection to check for damage or missing certification plates and document any deficiencies before allowing use.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

ROPS can be painted or coated for corrosion protection, but coatings must not hide damage or interfere with the structural integrity, and any paint application should preserve the legibility of certification labels as per the expectations of 1926 Subpart W.

• Avoid excessive buildup of paint at welds or mounting points that could mask cracks or cause fitment issues.
• Keep certification plates readable; if a plate becomes unreadable during repainting, obtain replacement documentation from the manufacturer.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).

ROPS are structures designed to protect the operator in the event of a vehicle rollover, while overhead guards are intended to protect against falling objects; both must be used where their specific hazards exist, consistent with 1926 Subpart W.

• Use ROPS whenever there is a risk of the machine rolling over to preserve a survival space for the operator.
• Use overhead guards when there is a risk of objects falling onto the operator or worker from above, such as during loading or demolition operations.

(Reference: 1926 Subpart W).