1926.454(a): Scaffold User Training
Employers must have each worker who works on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject. Training must cover, as applicable, electrical, fall and falling object hazards, how to handle those hazards and the protection systems, proper scaffold use and material handling, load capacities, and other requirements of the scaffold subpart.
Key takeaways
- 1926.454(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 979 times in the last 3 years, in 979 inspections, with $1,708,415 in current penalties.
- 26 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (114), FL (61), IL (59).
- Related part: 1926.454(a)(1) (77 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.454(a) is one requirement inside 1926.454 Training requirements, 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
(a) The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable: 979 citations
(1) The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area; Open (a)(1) 77 citations
(2) The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used; 3 citations
(3) The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold; 9 citations
(4) The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used; and
(5) Any other pertinent requirements of this subpart. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.454.
Injuries linked to this rule
26 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.454(a).
At 8:30 a.m. on February 25, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were working as carpenters and were installing metal framing on the exterior of a multi-family dwelling. The employees were working from an Articulating Boom Lift when the boom contacted a 7,200-Volt primary overhead…
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 | 72 |
| 2024 | 305 |
| 2025 | 351 |
| 2026 | 251 |
Top states: MD (114), FL (61), IL (59), PA (50), VA (46)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GTO CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $25,781 |
| BRANDSAFWAY SERVICES LLC | QUARRYVILLE, PA | $16,550 |
| DAN LEPORE & SONS COMPANY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,550 |
| MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES CORP | LOWELL, MA | $16,550 |
| DEE ZEE, INC. | PLEASANT HILL, IA | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.454(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA construction standards that govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraining of those stored materials. (2005-01-19)
- Revised response regarding the storage of materials on a scaffold for more than one shift's work (2003-10-30)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.454(a)(1) 77 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must train scaffold users?
A person qualified in the subject matter.
What must scaffold user training cover?
Electrical, fall and falling object hazards, the procedures and protection systems for those hazards, proper scaffold use and material handling, and maximum intended loads and capacities.
Is this training only for erectors?
No. It is for each employee who performs work while on a scaffold.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.454 (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.