1926.451(e)(8): Direct Access From Another Surface to a Scaffold
Employers may allow direct access to or from another surface onto a scaffold only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches horizontally and not more than 24 inches vertically from that surface.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $246,332 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MA (3), VA (3), MD (3).
- Related part: 1926.451(e) Access (918 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(e)(8) 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
(8) Direct access to or from another surface shall be used only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surface. 28 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(e)(8).
At 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2024, Employee #1 was leaving the roof to return to the floor at the end of the workday when he fell from a scissor lift to the concrete. The employee sustained multiple injuries from the fall. Emergency responders were…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: MA (3), VA (3), MD (3), TN (2), NV (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $153,740 |
| WARRIOR STEEL, LLC | MUSTANG, OK | $12,744 |
| AMESTOY DRI-WALL, INC. | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $9,849 |
| LAWRENCE FABRIC & METAL STRUCTURES, INC. | NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO | $8,110 |
| GEO HOME RENOVATIONS INC. | ATHENS, NY | $6,452 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(e)(8).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(e) Access 918 citations
- 1926.451(e)(1) 787 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9) 38 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5) 26 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(4) 16 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(i) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2) 9 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6)(i) 7 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2)(iii) 4 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
When can workers step directly onto a scaffold from another surface?
Only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches horizontally and not more than 24 inches vertically from the other surface.
What if the gap is bigger?
Direct access may not be used; another means of access is needed.
Does this rule cover both getting on and off?
Yes. It covers direct access to or from another surface.
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.