1926.452(k): Ladder Jack Scaffolds
Employers must keep ladder jack scaffold platforms no higher than 20 feet (6.1 m) and support them only with ladders meeting subpart X, never job-made ladders. Ladder jacks must bear on side rails and rungs, or on rungs alone with at least 10 inches of bearing on each rung, ladders must be secured against slipping, and platforms must not be bridged to one another.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(k) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 93 times in the last 3 years, in 81 inspections, with $131,320 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (16), IL (12), WI (10).
- Related part: 1926.452(k)(5) (34 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(k) ("Ladder 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 5 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
(k) Ladder jack scaffolds. 93 citations
(1) Platforms shall not exceed a height of 20 feet (6.1 m). Open (k)(1) 27 citations
(2) All ladders used to support ladder jack scaffolds shall meet the requirements of subpart X of this part—Stairways and Ladders, except that job-made ladders shall not be used to support ladder jack scaffolds. 9 citations
(3) The ladder jack shall be so designed and constructed that it will bear on the side rails and ladder rungs or on the ladder rungs alone. If bearing on rungs only, the bearing area shall include a length of at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) on each rung. Open (k)(3) 3 citations
(4) Ladders used to support ladder jacks shall be placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent slipping. Open (k)(4) 20 citations
(5) Scaffold platforms shall not be bridged one to another. Open (k)(5) 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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Top states: MA (16), IL (12), WI (10), CT (6), RI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STUART GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CORP. | LEOMINSTER, MA | $5,958 |
| OJR CONSTRUCTION INC | BRIGHTON, MA | $5,323 |
| BATISTA ROOFING AND VINYL SIDING, INC. | LOWELL, MA | $4,965 |
| ART TYRAWA | MOUNT PROSPECT, IL | $4,965 |
| NATIONAL FRAMERS HL CORP. | COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY | $4,839 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(k), 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)
- Evaluation of new aluminum ladder jack. (1983-06-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(k)(5) 34 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
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Frequently asked questions
How high can a ladder jack scaffold be?
Platforms shall not exceed a height of 20 feet (6.1 m).
Can job-made ladders support ladder jacks?
No. Job-made ladders shall not be used to support ladder jack scaffolds.
Can platforms be bridged together?
No. Scaffold platforms shall not be bridged one to another.
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.