1926.451(c)(2)(v): Forklifts Supporting Scaffold Platforms
Employers must not use forklifts to support scaffold platforms unless the entire platform is attached to the fork and the forklift is not moved horizontally while the platform is occupied.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(2)(v) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 224 times in the last 3 years, in 223 inspections, with $800,106 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (27), TX (21), OH (17).
- 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)(v) 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
(v) Fork-lifts shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless the entire platform is attached to the fork and the fork-lift is not moved horizontally while the platform is occupied. 224 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(c)(2)(v).
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…
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 | 23 |
| 2024 | 94 |
| 2025 | 66 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Top states: IL (27), TX (21), OH (17), SD (16), NE (16)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ROAD CONTRACTOR CORPORATION | WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ | $70,982 |
| MILLER CARPENTRY, LLC | MAHOMET, IL | $34,048 |
| ACE II LLC | BELMAR, NJ | $32,265 |
| DANNY MILLER | MAHOMET, IL | $30,420 |
| DANNY MILLER | CHAMPAIGN, IL | $29,465 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(2)(v), 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)
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)(iv) 186 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 forklift hold up a scaffold platform?
Only if the entire platform is attached to the fork.
Can the forklift drive while workers are on the platform?
No. The forklift may not be moved horizontally while the platform is occupied.
Is a platform resting loose on the forks allowed?
No. The entire platform must be attached to the fork.
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.