1926.451(h)(2)(ii): Toeboards on High Scaffold Platforms
Employers must put up a toeboard along the edge of scaffold platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels, for a distance that protects workers below. On float (ship) scaffolds, an edging of 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch wood or equivalent may be used instead.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(h)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 114 times in the last 3 years, in 114 inspections, with $130,324 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (24), TX (21), VA (13).
- 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)(ii) 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
(ii) A toeboard shall be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where an edging of 3⁄4 × 11⁄2 inch (2 × 4 cm) wood or equivalent may be used in lieu of toeboards; 114 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(h)(2)(ii).
At 2:07 p.m. on October 22, 2024, Employee #1 was performing exterior stone masonry work from a scaffold. The employee fell from the scaffold and struck hishead on palletized stone pieces below. The fall resulted in fatal head trauma and a brain bleed.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2026 | 23 |
Top states: MD (24), TX (21), VA (13), FL (9), TN (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JOSE CALLE | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $9,931 |
| JOSEPH RIZZO & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | GEORGETOWN, DE | $9,931 |
| VALBEN CONSTRUCTION LLC | DAVIE, FL | $8,276 |
| A-CLASS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $7,282 |
| NETO MASONRY LLC | FREDERICK, MD | $7,200 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(h)(2)(ii), 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)(ii).
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)(i) 29 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
When is a toeboard required on a scaffold platform?
Along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels, for a distance sufficient to protect employees below.
Is there an exception for float scaffolds?
Yes. Float (ship) scaffolds may use an edging of 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch wood or equivalent in place of toeboards.
Who does the toeboard protect?
Employees working below the platform.
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.