1910.28(b)(12): Fall Protection on Scaffolds and Rope Descent Systems
Employers must protect each employee on a scaffold from falling according to the construction scaffold rules in 29 CFR part 1926 subpart L, and protect each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet or more above a lower level with a personal fall arrest system.
Key takeaways
- 1910.28(b)(12) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $37,764 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (2), MA (2), TN (2).
- Related part: 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards (3,551 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.28(b)(12) ("Scaffolds and rope descent systems") is one requirement inside 1910.28 Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. 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
(12) Scaffolds and rope descent systems. The employer must ensure: 13 citations
(i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and Open (b)(12)(i) 10 citations
(ii) Each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.28.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TX (2), MA (2), TN (2), OH (2), MI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| F.W. WEBB COMPANY | MALDEN, MA | $10,000 |
| TRANSPORT SERVICES INC. | NORTH ROYALTON, OH | $6,621 |
| MATTRESS LIQUIDATORS | EL PASO, TX | $4,000 |
| C & S CANOPY INC. | JACKSON, TN | $4,000 |
| ANSON BALDWIN TREE CARE, LLC | GILL, MA | $3,145 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.28(b)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.28(b)(12).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards 3,551 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges 1,938 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1)(i) 1,933 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3) Holes 667 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11) Stairways 407 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) 351 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(ii) 288 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(i) 238 citations
- 1910.28(b)(13) Work on low-slope roofs 132 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6) Dangerous equipment 123 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) 108 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6)(i) 106 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What rules cover fall protection on scaffolds in general industry?
29 CFR part 1926, subpart L.
When is a personal fall arrest system required with a rope descent system?
When the employee is 4 feet or more above a lower level.
Who must provide the protection?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.28 (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 2026-10-20
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.