1926.451(b)(4): Scaffold Platform End Overhang
Each end of a scaffold platform must extend at least 6 inches over the centerline of its support, unless it is cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 49 times in the last 3 years, in 49 inspections, with $103,663 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (7), NY (6), VA (6).
- Related part: 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction (1,515 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(b)(4) 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
(4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). 49 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(b)(4).
Employee was removing a gutter from a residential structure working from a pump-jack scaffold system erected 4.5 feet from a 79 kilovolt primary power line. The gutter contacted the power line and the employee was electrocuted.
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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: NC (7), NY (6), VA (6), NH (4), TN (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| R.E. JONES MASONRY, INC. | CLARKSVILLE, VA | $15,875 |
| VANNI CONSTRUCTION, LLC | SYRACUSE, NY | $10,313 |
| COPPER SOLUTIONS CORP | BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY | $8,276 |
| M. H. MASONRY & ASSOCIATES, INC. | AMHERST, VA | $7,795 |
| JB BUILDERS1, LLC. | ROANOKE, VA | $6,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction 1,515 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1) 867 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2) 332 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(i) 168 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5) 118 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(ii) 97 citations
- 1926.451(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.451(b)(7) 51 citations
- 1926.451(b)(10) 25 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(i) 21 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2)(i) 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How far must a plank extend past its support?
At least 6 inches over the centerline of its support.
Is there an exception?
Yes, if the platform is cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means.
Which rule covers this?
1926.451(b)(4), scaffolds.
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.