1926.451(c)(2)(iv): No Front-End Loaders Under Scaffold Platforms
Front-end loaders and similar equipment must not be used to support scaffold platforms unless the manufacturer specifically designed them for that use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iv) 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 $636,246 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (28), NJ (18), OH (16).
- Related part: 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds (1,292 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iv) 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
(iv) Front-end loaders and similar pieces of equipment shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless they have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. 186 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(c)(2)(iv).
At 2:30 p.m. on December 4, 2023, Employee # 1 was working for a residential general contractor. Employee #1 was installing a window. Employee #1 was standing with the window on an scaffold platform which was comprised of a 41 inch by 48 inch sheet…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 35 |
Top states: TX (28), NJ (18), OH (16), MO (14), FL (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SEPULVEDA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LLC | CINCINNATI, OH | $26,482 |
| OPPORTUNITY HEADQUARTERS | SYRACUSE, NY | $17,024 |
| CONCRETE EXPO LLC | OCEAN TOWNSHP, NJ | $13,000 |
| THE IDEAL COMPANY, INC. | CINCINNATI, OH | $11,585 |
| JC IMPERIAL CONSTRUCTION LLC | KANSAS CITY, MO | $9,930 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift. (2001-11-27)
- Forklifts in construction: elevating personnel and operator training. (1999-09-30)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds 1,292 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2) 1,052 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(v) 224 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
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iii) 13 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 a front-end loader hold up a scaffold platform?
No, unless it has been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use.
Does this cover other similar equipment?
Yes. It applies to front-end loaders and similar pieces of equipment.
How do I know if a machine is designed for this?
Check that the manufacturer specifically designed it to support scaffold platforms.
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.