1926.451(f)(5): No Moving Occupied Scaffolds
Scaffolds must not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they were designed by a registered professional engineer for that movement or, for mobile scaffolds, the provisions of 1926.452(w) are followed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $16,590 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(5) 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
(5) Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they have been designed by a registered professional engineer specifically for such movement or, for mobile scaffolds, where the provisions of § 1926.452(w) are followed. 5 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)(5).
At 12:00 p.m. on February 22, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working approximately 250 feet above the ground while repairing blades on a windmill. The workers ascended on a suspended scaffold that indicated the primary cable rigging was only attached at one end.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(f)(5).
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)(4) 57 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)(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
Can a scaffold be moved with workers on it?
Not horizontally, unless it was designed by a registered professional engineer for that movement or, for mobile scaffolds, 1926.452(w) is followed.
Who can design a scaffold to be moved while occupied?
A registered professional engineer, specifically for such movement.
What rule covers riding mobile scaffolds?
Mobile scaffolds must follow the provisions of 1926.452(w).
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.