1910.27(a): General Industry Scaffolds Follow Construction Rules
Scaffolds used in general industry must meet the requirements in the construction scaffold rules, 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L.
Key takeaways
- 1910.27(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 45 times in the last 3 years, in 44 inspections, with $364,762 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NV (8), VA (6), WI (4).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.27(a) ("Scaffolds") is one requirement inside 1910.27 Scaffolds and rope descent systems, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). 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
(a) Scaffolds. Scaffolds used in general industry must meet the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L (Scaffolds). 45 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.27.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.27(a).
At 12:11 p.m. on August 20, 2024, an employee working for a food manufacturer was installing a lighting fixture on an energized system. The employee contacteda live wire and was electrocuted. The employee died as a result of his injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: NV (8), VA (6), WI (4), IL (4), MN (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHED'S DIRECT, LLC | DANVILLE, VA | $126,980 |
| VERIZON SERVICES CORP. | LIVERPOOL, NY | $34,050 |
| SPEEDY GONZALEZ LANDSCAPING, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $15,625 |
| DEERING SERVICES, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 |
| JONES LANG LASALLE AMERICAS INCORPORATED | EAST SYRACUSE, NY | $15,000 |
Free toolbox talk
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Frequently asked questions
Which rules apply to scaffolds in general industry?
The construction scaffold rules in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L.
Does a plant or warehouse scaffold need to meet construction rules?
Yes. Scaffolds used in general industry must meet subpart L.
Where is this requirement?
In 1910.27(a).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.27 (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 2026-10-22
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.