1926.452(w)(2): Lock Mobile Scaffold Wheels
Employers must lock scaffold casters and wheels with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means, to keep the scaffold from moving while it is used in a stationary manner.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(w)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 59 times in the last 3 years, in 59 inspections, with $153,769 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (6), NY (6), FL (4).
- Related part: 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds (136 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(w)(2) 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
(2) Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means, to prevent movement of the scaffold while the scaffold is used in a stationary manner. 59 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(w)(2).
At 8:51 a.m. on May 4, 2024, Employee #1 was installing plywood from a mobile scaffold at a construction site, working alone. The employee fell from the scaffold, suffering blunt force trauma upon impact with the concrete floor. Emergency responders were called to the scene,…
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: PR (6), NY (6), FL (4), OR (4), PA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MCCOMAS-LACINA CONSTRUCTION | MARION, IA | $12,500 |
| FINCANTIERI BAY SHIPBUILDING | STURGEON BAY, WI | $11,524 |
| TRIPLE M DRYWALL INC. | WEST PALM BEACH, FL | $8,280 |
| SILVA GROUP CORPORATION | PAGO PAGO, AS | $8,067 |
| NEPTUNE MECHANICAL INC | BRONX, NY | $7,428 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(w)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Moving Mobile Scaffolds. (2005-06-17)
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
- Moving mobile (Baker) scaffolds; locking casters and wheels. (1998-06-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds 136 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6) 44 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(i) 27 citations
- 1926.452(w)(1) 10 citations
- 1926.452(w)(5) 6 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iii) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(3) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iv) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
When must mobile scaffold wheels be locked?
While the scaffold is used in a stationary manner.
What kind of locks are required?
Positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means.
Why lock the wheels?
To prevent movement of the scaffold while it is being used in place.
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.