1926.451(a)(6): Scaffolds Built to a Qualified Person's Design
Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded according to that design.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(a)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 186 times in the last 3 years, in 186 inspections, with $646,543 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (21), WI (16), MA (11).
- Related part: 1926.451(a) Capacity (257 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(a)(6) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). 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
(6) Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with paragraph (a) of this section. 186 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(a)(6).
At 2:30 p.m. on January 12, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a roofing contractor and was performing siding and soffit work from a pump jack scaffold. Employee #1 was fatally injured when he fell from the scaffold.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 70 |
| 2026 | 46 |
Top states: TX (21), WI (16), MA (11), ND (10), OH (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 110190 - PRO DRYWALL INC DBA PRO DRYWALL - PAINTING INC | ELK RIVER, MN | $25,000 |
| BUSH MASONRY, LLC | MOORHEAD, MS | $20,336 |
| SEMINOLE EQUIPMENT, INC. | RICHMOND HILL, GA | $16,550 |
| DWS FRAMING PRO CONSTRUCTION LLC | ELLENDALE, DE | $16,550 |
| J. H. FINDORFF & SON INC. | MADISON, WI | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(a)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Use of 2"x6" No 2 pine boards as a scaffold platform; application of 1926.451(a) and 1926.451(f)(16) when erecting and dismantling scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Whether a safety factor must be incorporated into the design of footings for supported scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A. (2005-04-08)
- Application of OSHA construction standards that govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraining of those stored materials. (2005-01-19)
- Requirements in 1926 Subpart L "Scaffolds" regarding the use of plywood to make platform decking for scaffolds. (2004-06-21)
- Fall protection requirements during installation and removal or tarps and sheeting on/from scaffolds; qualifications of person determining safety on scaffold with wind imposed forces. (2003-07-16)
- Compliance of Master Plank scaffold planking with OSHA plank strength requirements. (2003-01-13)
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
- Request that OSHA adopt a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" under recognized grading rules. (2002-03-12)
- Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift. (2001-11-27)
- Tie, guy, and bracing requirements for scaffold systems. (2000-08-04)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(a) Capacity 257 citations
- 1926.451(a)(1) 70 citations
- 1926.451(a)(2) 1 citations
- 1926.451(a)(3)
- 1926.451(a)(4)
- 1926.451(a)(5)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who must design a scaffold?
A qualified person.
Can the crew build or load it differently than designed?
No. Scaffolds shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design.
Is there guidance on design criteria?
Non-mandatory appendix A to the subpart has examples of criteria that help employers comply.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.451 (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.