1926.451(a)(1): Scaffold Strength Requirement
Employers must make sure each scaffold and scaffold component can support, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it, except as provided in the listed paragraphs of this section.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 70 times in the last 3 years, in 70 inspections, with $313,669 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (11), RI (8), MA (7).
- Related part: 1926.451(a) Capacity (257 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, 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) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (g) of this section, each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. 70 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(a)(1).
At 12:00 p.m. on November 21, 2024, an employee was working from the second tierof a two-tiered scaffold using a winch to lift and place concrete panels into a fence system. The employee moved the winch to the front left corner of the scaffold to…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Top states: VA (11), RI (8), MA (7), FL (6), OH (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JV MASONRY, INC. | FAIRFAX, VA | $16,285 |
| RAMSEY MASONRY COMPANY, INC. | FAIRFAX, VA | $16,285 |
| TARSCO CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | NEDERLAND, TX | $14,895 |
| LINBECK GROUP, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $12,340 |
| METHUEN CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | FAIRHAVEN, MA | $11,916 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Weight of the scaffold in determining whether the 4 to 1 factor is satisfied in construction and general industry standards (2013-12-06)
- Whether an employer is permitted to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie or brace a scaffold. (2010-03-26)
- Whether catch platforms (used to catch an employee in the event of a fall from a working surface above) must comply with OSHA's scaffold standard, Subpart L. (2009-01-05)
- Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. (2007-02-08)
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Safety factor when "worst-case" force is applied to safety rail support product intended for ladder jack scaffold systems; §1926.451(a)(1) (2006-04-25)
- Whether it is permissible to use a concrete block hanging on a coupling pin as a counterweight to prevent a scaffold from tipping. (2005-06-17)
- Tie-in requirements for supported scaffolds; errors in Non-Mandatory Appendix E. (2005-04-08)
- Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A. (2005-04-08)
- Requirements in 1926 Subpart L "Scaffolds" regarding the use of plywood to make platform decking for scaffolds. (2004-06-21)
- Compliance of Master Plank scaffold planking with OSHA plank strength requirements. (2003-01-13)
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
- Request that OSHA adopt a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" under recognized grading rules. (2002-03-12)
- Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift. (2001-11-27)
- Tie, guy, and bracing requirements for scaffold systems. (2000-08-04)
- Scaffolds: removal of bracing; maximum loads; damaged planking; and foundations. (1997-11-25)
- Two different design requirements for handrail and scaffolding. (1989-10-04)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(a) Capacity 257 citations
- 1926.451(a)(6) 186 citations
- 1926.451(a)(2) 1 citations
- 1926.451(a)(3)
- 1926.451(a)(4)
- 1926.451(a)(5)
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Frequently asked questions
How much weight must a scaffold support?
Its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it, without failure.
Does this apply to scaffold components too?
Yes. Each scaffold and each scaffold component must meet this requirement.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. The rule applies except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (g) of 1926.451.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.451 (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 2026-10-19
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.