1926.452(c)(3): Joining Scaffold Frames with Pins
Fabricated frame scaffold frames and panels must be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(c)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 42 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $78,492 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (11), FL (9), TN (7).
- Related part: 1926.452(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds (193 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(c)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, 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
(3) Frames and panels shall be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means. 42 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(c)(3).
At 1:30 p.m. on June 25, 2024, an employee working as a masonry supervisor for ahome builder was pouring concrete for tie beams. The employee fell off the wall and struck his head on the ground below. The employee died from a head wound.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: VA (11), FL (9), TN (7), OH (6), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WESTERN PARTITIONS, INC. | SPARKS, NV | $10,050 |
| NELSON HOMES, INC. | LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL | $6,452 |
| JACOME MANAGING & CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, INC. | CINCINNATI, OH | $5,958 |
| ENRIQUE CASTRO | WEST CHESTER, OH | $4,965 |
| JOSE ALFARO MASONRY LLC | CINCINNATI, OH | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(c)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds 193 citations
- 1926.452(c)(2) 114 citations
- 1926.452(c)(4) 25 citations
- 1926.452(c)(5) 12 citations
- 1926.452(c)(6)
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
How must scaffold frames be joined vertically?
By coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means.
Does this apply to panels too?
Yes. Frames and panels must be joined this way.
Which scaffolds does this cover?
Fabricated frame scaffolds under 1926.452(c).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (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.