1926.452(k)(1): Ladder Jack Scaffold Height Limit
Employers must not let ladder jack scaffold platforms exceed a height of 20 feet.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(k)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $46,962 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (9), MA (4), RI (4).
- Related part: 1926.452(k) Ladder jack scaffolds (93 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(k)(1) 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
(1) Platforms shall not exceed a height of 20 feet (6.1 m). 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: IL (9), MA (4), RI (4), PA (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STUART GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CORP. | LEOMINSTER, MA | $5,958 |
| OJR CONSTRUCTION INC | BRIGHTON, MA | $5,323 |
| ART TYRAWA | MOUNT PROSPECT, IL | $4,965 |
| JOSEPH PILKINGTON | CRANSTON, RI | $4,839 |
| ADALBERTO VILLEGAS DELGADILLO DBA AVD CONSTRUCTION, INC. | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $3,803 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(k)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for fall protection when ladder jack scaffolds are used for residential and commercial construction (2003-07-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(k) Ladder jack scaffolds 93 citations
- 1926.452(k)(5) 34 citations
- 1926.452(k)(4) 20 citations
- 1926.452(k)(3) 3 citations
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 high can a ladder jack scaffold platform be?
Platforms must not exceed a height of 20 feet (6.1 m).
What if the work is higher than that?
The platform may not go above 20 feet, so a different type of scaffold or access is needed.
Who must make sure of this?
The employer.
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.