OSHA Ditches 'House Falls' Rule: No More Saving Cargo Houses from Tumbles?
Published Date: 4/17/2026
Rule
Summary
OSHA is officially getting rid of the House Falls safety rule for marine terminals starting April 17, 2026. This change affects workers and businesses at marine terminals by removing a rule OSHA now says isn’t needed to keep people safe. It’s part of a bigger effort to cut unnecessary regulations and help businesses thrive without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
House Falls Standard Revoked April 17, 2026
OSHA removed the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard (29 CFR 1917.41) effective April 17, 2026. OSHA estimates the revocation affects 2,617 maritime establishments and will reduce employer compliance familiarization time, with annual cost-savings estimates of $15,377 (primary scenario), $9,115 (midpoint scenario), or $2,853 (alternative scenario).
Specific Safety Requirement Removed
OSHA removed the specific House Falls requirements that had required securing span beams, providing safe access for employees working with house fall blocks, and daily inspection of chains, shackles, blocks, and other loose gear (29 CFR 1917.41). OSHA states the industry generally no longer uses house falls, found no citations back to 2012, and says employers would still be obligated under the OSH Act general duty clause (29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1)) if house falls are used.
Small-Business Impact Certification
OSHA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that rescinding 29 CFR 1917.41 will not have a "significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities." OSHA will transmit this certification and its factual basis to the Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel for Advocacy.
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