1926.451(g)(4)(iv): Scaffold Midrail Height
When midrails are used on scaffold guardrail systems, they must be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 32 inspections, with $33,463 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (9), NJ (4), NC (4).
- Related part: 1926.451(g) Fall protection (2,806 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(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) When midrails are used, they shall be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface. 32 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: FL (9), NJ (4), NC (4), NY (3), IN (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MR. CONCRETE CORP | FANWOOD, NJ | $5,647 |
| JOSE ALFARO MASONRY LLC | CINCINNATI, OH | $4,965 |
| AB TUCCI CONCRETE CORP | CRANFORD, NJ | $4,839 |
| RACOON EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED | SYRACUSE, NY | $3,405 |
| LEMX CORP. | NEW YORK, NY | $2,767 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(g)(4)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(g)(4)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(g) Fall protection 2,806 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1) 2,210 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vii) 671 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4) 516 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(i) 392 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(i) 149 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vi) 65 citations
- 1926.451(g)(2) 46 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3) 33 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iii) 21 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3)(i) 20 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(xv) 16 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
Where must a scaffold midrail go?
Approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface.
Does this apply to all midrails on scaffolds?
Yes, whenever midrails are used.
Is this a construction rule?
Yes. It is in 1926.451, construction scaffold 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.