1926.451(h)(2)(i): Barricading Below a Scaffold
To protect people from falling objects, employers may barricade the area below a scaffold where objects can fall and must not let employees enter that hazard area.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(h)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $50,090 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (10), TN (6), CO (3).
- Related part: 1926.451(h) Falling object protection (309 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)(i) 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
(i) The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall shall be barricaded, and employees shall not be permitted to enter the hazard area; or 29 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: VA (10), TN (6), CO (3), NJ (2), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HOURIGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $7,155 |
| DIRECT BUILDER'S TRADE, INC. | WEST WINDSOR, NJ | $5,462 |
| OJR CONSTRUCTION INC | BRIGHTON, MA | $5,323 |
| OPPORTUNITY GROUP, LLC. | OCEAN CITY, NJ | $4,965 |
| MASONOMICS, INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $4,695 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(h)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(h)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(h) Falling object protection 309 citations
- 1926.451(h)(2) 182 citations
- 1926.451(h)(1) 121 citations
- 1926.451(h)(2)(ii) 114 citations
- 1926.451(h)(4) 4 citations
- 1926.451(h)(4)(i)
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 area must be barricaded?
The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall.
Can workers enter the barricaded area?
No. Employees must not be permitted to enter the hazard area.
Is barricading the only option?
No. This paragraph is one of the listed options for falling object protection, joined by the word or.
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.