1926.451(c)(2)(iii): No Unstable Objects as Scaffold Platforms
Unstable objects must not be used as working platforms.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $35,718 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (3), VA (2), IA (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds (1,296 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iii) 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
(iii) Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MA (3), VA (2), IA (2), OH (2), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JD LONG MASONRY OF VA, INC. | ARLINGTON, VA | $6,000 |
| GASHI CONSTRUCTION INC | NANTUCKET, MA | $5,807 |
| PRO STAR HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. | HULL, MA | $5,625 |
| DONATO DELAROSA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | WILLIS, TX | $4,839 |
| RFX2025XTM082X0069 - SIGNATURE SERVICE MAINTENANCE L.L.C. | PAYSON, AZ | $3,457 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Access requirements for cantilevered work platforms; use of unstable objects is prohibited. (2001-07-23)
- Scaffolds: removal of bracing; maximum loads; damaged planking; and foundations. (1997-11-25)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds 1,296 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2) 1,056 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(v) 225 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iv) 187 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1) 121 citations
- 1926.451(c)(3) 119 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(i) 110 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(ii) 77 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(ii) 35 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(iii) 15 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(i) 14 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
Can unstable objects be used as working platforms?
No. Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms.
Which rule is this?
29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), scaffold requirements.
What is an example of misuse?
Standing on something that can shift or tip, like a loose box or bucket, to work.
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 2026-10-19
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.