1926.451(b)(1): Fully Planked Scaffold Platforms
Employers must make sure each scaffold working platform is fully planked or decked between the front uprights and guardrail supports, with gaps no more than 1 inch. Where a wider gap is shown to be needed, such as around uprights, the platform must be decked as fully as possible and the open space must not exceed 9 and one-half inches. Walkways and erector-only platforms have an exception.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 870 times in the last 3 years, in 853 inspections, with $3,234,483 in current penalties.
- 8 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (97), FL (94), NY (65).
- Related part: 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction (1,518 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 2 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
(1) Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports as follows: 870 citations
(i) Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary (for example, to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the width of the platform). Open (b)(1)(i) 168 citations
(ii) Where the employer makes the demonstration provided for in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the platform shall be planked or decked as fully as possible and the remaining open space between the platform and the uprights shall not exceed 91⁄2 inches (24.1 cm). Open (b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
Exception to paragraph (b)(1): The requirement in paragraph (b)(1) to provide full planking or decking does not apply to platforms used solely as walkways or solely by employees performing scaffold erection or dismantling. In these situations, only the planking that the employer establishes is necessary to provide safe working conditions is required.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
8 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(b)(1).
On December 10, 2024, Employee #1 was working on a roof, applying tape between roof joints. While walking backward during the task, he slipped and fell approximately 12 feet to the ground. The employee sustained critical injuries from the impact of his back striking the…
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 | 78 |
| 2024 | 270 |
| 2025 | 333 |
| 2026 | 189 |
Top states: TX (97), FL (94), NY (65), VA (61), NJ (56)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $307,480 |
| JOSE CALLE | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $82,757 |
| FINCANTIERI MARINE GROUP, LLC | STURGEON BAY, WI | $59,115 |
| JOSE CALLE | HATBORO, PA | $39,723 |
| GTO CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $25,781 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fully Planked and Decked Scaffold (2010-03-02)
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Walkways within scaffolds, guardrails, and planking. (2005-07-26)
- Use of 2"x6" No 2 pine boards as a scaffold platform; application of 1926.451(a) and 1926.451(f)(16) when erecting and dismantling scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. (2002-04-16)
- Clarification of requirements for construction scaffold erection/dismantling; safe means of access; blocks for two-point suspension scaffolds. (2002-01-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction 1,518 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2) 332 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(i) 168 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5) 118 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(ii) 97 citations
- 1926.451(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.451(b)(7) 51 citations
- 1926.451(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.451(b)(10) 25 citations
- 1926.451(b)(5)(i) 21 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1)(ii) 14 citations
- 1926.451(b)(2)(i) 11 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
How big can gaps between scaffold planks be?
No more than 1 inch between adjacent units and between the platform and uprights, unless a wider space is shown to be necessary.
What is the largest gap allowed when a wider space is needed?
The remaining open space between the platform and the uprights must not exceed 9 and one-half inches.
Does full planking apply to walkways?
No. Platforms used solely as walkways or solely by workers erecting or dismantling the scaffold need only the planking the employer finds necessary for safe conditions.
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.