1926.451(f)(4): Repair or Remove Damaged Scaffolds
Any scaffold part that is damaged or weakened so its strength is less than required by paragraph (a) must immediately be repaired or replaced, braced to meet the requirements, or removed from service until repaired.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 57 times in the last 3 years, in 57 inspections, with $90,757 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (13), MD (6), NE (4).
- Related part: 1926.451(f) Use (1,221 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(f)(4) 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
(4) Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened such that its strength is less than that required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet those provisions, or removed from service until repaired. 57 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(f)(4).
At 10:29 a.m. on September 14, 2024, an employee was working from a scaffold when a scaffold plank fell off its supports. The employee fell to the ground andsustained fatal injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 22 |
Top states: VA (13), MD (6), NE (4), NC (4), IN (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ARGEN CONTRACTING, INC. | PAPILLION, NE | $13,902 |
| OJVEJV, INC. | PAPILLION, NE | $11,817 |
| PINA JA CONSTRUCTION LLC | TULSA, OK | $7,000 |
| STEPHEN F. PETERS INCORPORATED | HARRISBURG, PA | $6,452 |
| CREATIVE MASONRY, INC. | JONESBOROUGH, TN | $5,400 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(f) Use 1,221 citations
- 1926.451(f)(3) 506 citations
- 1926.451(f)(7) 407 citations
- 1926.451(f)(6) 108 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15) 62 citations
- 1926.451(f)(14) 39 citations
- 1926.451(f)(1) 15 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15)(ii) 10 citations
- 1926.451(f)(12) 6 citations
- 1926.451(f)(13) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(5) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(16) 2 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
What must be done with a damaged scaffold part?
Immediately repair or replace it, brace it to meet requirements, or remove it from service until repaired.
When does this rule apply?
When a part's strength is less than required by paragraph (a).
Can work continue on a weakened scaffold?
Not until the part is repaired, replaced or braced to meet the requirements.
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.