1926.452(j): Pump Jack Scaffolds
Employers using pump jack scaffolds must use metal brackets, braces and accessories, with two positive gripping mechanisms on each bracket. Poles must be secured with rigid triangular bracing or equivalent, an extra brace is needed when passing existing bracing, workbenches may not be used as platforms, and wood poles must be sound, properly joined and spliced with mending plates.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(j) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 271 times in the last 3 years, in 268 inspections, with $505,259 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (49), NJ (34), TX (32).
- Related part: 1926.452(j)(2) (265 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(j) ("Pump jack scaffolds") is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 7 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
(j) Pump jack scaffolds. 271 citations
(1) Pump jack brackets, braces, and accessories shall be fabricated from metal plates and angles. Each pump jack bracket shall have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent any failure or slippage. 3 citations
(2) Poles shall be secured to the structure by rigid triangular bracing or equivalent at the bottom, top, and other points as necessary. When the pump jack has to pass bracing already installed, an additional brace shall be installed approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) above the brace to be passed, and shall be left in place until the pump jack has been moved and the original brace reinstalled. Open (j)(2) 265 citations
(3) When guardrails are used for fall protection, a workbench may be used as the toprail only if it meets all the requirements in paragraphs (g)(4) (ii), (vii), (viii), and (xiii) of § 1926.451. 2 citations
(4) Work benches shall not be used as scaffold platforms. 1 citations
(5) When poles are made of wood, the pole lumber shall be straight-grained, free of shakes, large loose or dead knots, and other defects which might impair strength.
(6) When wood poles are constructed of two continuous lengths, they shall be joined together with the seam parallel to the bracket.
(7) When two by fours are spliced to make a pole, mending plates shall be installed at all splices to develop the full strength of the member. Open (j)(7)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(j).
Employee was removing a gutter from a residential structure working from a pump-jack scaffold system erected 4.5 feet from a 79 kilovolt primary power line. The gutter contacted the power line and the employee was electrocuted.
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 | 17 |
| 2024 | 78 |
| 2025 | 100 |
| 2026 | 76 |
Top states: MD (49), NJ (34), TX (32), MA (29), NC (25)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES CORP | LOWELL, MA | $16,550 |
| EC SIDING, LLC. | WOODLYN, PA | $15,210 |
| COSTELLO CONSTRUCTION OF MARYLAND, INC. | DEWEY BEACH, DE | $9,931 |
| EC SIDING, LLC. | MIDDLETOWN, DE | $9,126 |
| MCR CONSTRUCTION, INC. | ROXBURY, MA | $8,513 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(j), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Toprail height requirements for pump jack scaffolds. (2011-05-24)
- Fall protection requirements for pump jack scaffold railings. (2004-03-25)
- Pump jack scaffolds must be braced at their bottom. (2000-11-08)
- Requirement for pump jack scaffolds. (1987-12-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(j)(2) 265 citations
- 1926.452(j)(7)
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Frequently asked questions
What must pump jack brackets be made of?
Metal plates and angles, and each bracket must have two positive gripping mechanisms.
What happens when the pump jack has to pass a brace?
An additional brace must be installed approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) above the brace to be passed and left until the pump jack is moved and the original brace is reinstalled.
Can a workbench be used as a scaffold platform?
No. Work benches shall not be used as scaffold platforms, though one may serve as the toprail if it meets the listed 1926.451 requirements.
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.