1926.452(k)(5): No Bridging Scaffold Platforms
Employers must not allow scaffold platforms to be bridged from one to another.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(k)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 34 times in the last 3 years, in 34 inspections, with $50,521 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (5), CT (4), FL (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)(5) 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
(5) Scaffold platforms shall not be bridged one to another. 34 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 | 12 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MA (5), CT (4), FL (4), IL (3), WI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BATISTA ROOFING AND VINYL SIDING, INC. | LOWELL, MA | $4,965 |
| OSCAR REYES SIDING AND ROOFING INC. | THIENSVILLE, WI | $4,839 |
| BUILT UP ROOFING LLC | WEST WARWICK, RI | $4,839 |
| OSCARS ROOFING & SIDING INC. | OAK CREEK, WI | $4,839 |
| CARE SHEET METAL & ROOFING, INC., DBA CARE ROOFING, INC. | HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL | $4,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(k)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(k)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(k) Ladder jack scaffolds 93 citations
- 1926.452(k)(1) 27 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
Can scaffold platforms be bridged together?
No. Scaffold platforms shall not be bridged one to another.
Does this apply to construction scaffolds?
Yes. It is part of 1926.452, the construction scaffold rules.
What should I do if I need to cross between scaffolds?
Do not bridge platforms; ask your supervisor for an approved way to access the work.
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.