1926.451(h)(4): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(h)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $2,838 in current penalties.
- 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)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. 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) Where used, toeboards shall be: 4 citations
(i) Capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 n) applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard (toeboards built in accordance with appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement); and Open (h)(4)(i)
(ii) At least three and one-half inches (9 cm) high from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking/working surface. Toeboards shall be securely fastened in place at the outermost edge of the platform and have not more than 1⁄4 inch (0.7 cm) clearance above the walking/working surface. Toeboards shall be solid or with openings not over one inch (2.5 cm) in the greatest dimension. 4 citations
[61 FR 46107, Aug. 30, 1996, as corrected and amended at 61 FR 59831, 59832, Nov. 25, 1996]
At 61 FR 59832, Nov. 25, 1996, § 1926.451(b)(2)(i) was amended and certain requirements stayed until Nov. 25, 1997, or until further rulemaking has been completed, whichever is later.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A. (2005-04-08)
- Revised response regarding the storage of materials on a scaffold for more than one shift's work (2003-10-30)
- Safety regulations for roof top rolling scaffolds. (1994-02-02)
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)(2)(i) 29 citations
- 1926.451(h)(4)(i)
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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.