1926.451(b)(7): Overlapping Scaffold Planks
Where scaffold platforms are overlapped to make a long platform, the overlap must occur only over supports and must be at least 12 inches, unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained from moving.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(7) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 51 times in the last 3 years, in 51 inspections, with $94,001 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (8), NV (6), NC (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)(7) 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
(7) On scaffolds where platforms are overlapped to create a long platform, the overlap shall occur only over supports, and shall not be less than 12 inches (30 cm) unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained to prevent movement. 51 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(b)(7).
At 1:00 p.m. on December 24, 2024, Employee #1, a masonry contractor and site foreman, was working on a tubular frame welded scaffold at a new residential construction site in Lincolnwood, Illinois. While directing three other employees installing a brick fa�ade, he fell from the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MD (8), NV (6), NC (6), VA (4), MA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RAMSEY MASONRY COMPANY INC. | FREDERICKSBURG, VA | $15,875 |
| DMG MASONRY LTD. | ROCKWALL, TX | $14,518 |
| ROADRUNNER DRYWALL CORPORATION | LAS VEGAS, NV | $14,518 |
| POWER HOUSE PLASTERING INC. | NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV | $10,046 |
| AAA MONARCH RESTORATION EXPERTS, LLC | WATERFORD, WI | $4,839 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Overlapping of scaffold planking. (1999-02-07)
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)(4) 49 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
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much must scaffold planks overlap?
Not less than 12 inches, unless they are nailed together or otherwise restrained.
Where must overlaps be located?
Only over supports.
Can planks overlap between supports?
No. The overlap shall occur only over supports.
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.