1926.451(b)(3): Platform Distance From the Work Face
Employers must keep the front edge of scaffold platforms no more than 14 inches from the face of the work, unless guardrails along the front edge or personal fall arrest systems protect workers. The maximum distance is 3 inches for outrigger scaffolds and 18 inches for plastering and lathing work.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 58 times in the last 3 years, in 58 inspections, with $102,341 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (9), TX (5), NE (4).
- Related part: 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction (1,518 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(b)(3) 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
(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3) (i) and (ii) of this section, the front edge of all platforms shall not be more than 14 inches (36 cm) from the face of the work, unless guardrail systems are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall arrest systems are used in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section to protect employees from falling. 58 citations
(i) The maximum distance from the face for outrigger scaffolds shall be 3 inches (8 cm); Open (b)(3)(i) 1 citations
(ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). Open (b)(3)(ii) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(b)(3).
At 7:30 a.m. on December 8, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a masonry contractor. Employee #1 was dismantling a scaffold when he fell to the concretefloor. Employee #1 suffered fractures to the shoulder, leg and ribs, leading to his death.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MD (9), TX (5), NE (4), UT (4), HI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STOUGHTON TRAILERS, LLC | BRODHEAD, WI | $12,412 |
| JIREH MASONRY COMPANY LLC | EL PASO, TX | $5,000 |
| KEVIN CRADOCK WOODWORKING, INC. | BROOKLINE, MA | $4,839 |
| ANVIL STUCCO REMEDIATION & RESTORATION INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $4,839 |
| RJ CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION LLC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $4,839 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether guardrails are required on a two-point adjustable scaffold while workers who are tied off are painting the undercarriage of a water storage tank. (2010-03-03)
- Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds. (2006-09-14)
- Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. (2002-04-16)
- Exemptions for installation of guardrails on wall (interior) side. (2001-12-11)
- Requirements of Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction for guardrails and fall protection during roofing work. (2001-04-10)
- Application of 1926.451(b)(3)(ii) to "Drivit" (synthetic stucco) systems. (2001-01-22)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(b) Scaffold platform construction 1,518 citations
- 1926.451(b)(1) 870 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
How far can a scaffold platform be from the wall or work face?
No more than 14 inches from the face of the work, unless guardrails are put up along the front edge or personal fall arrest systems are used.
What is the limit for outrigger scaffolds?
The maximum distance from the face for outrigger scaffolds is 3 inches.
Is there a different limit for plastering and lathing?
Yes. For plastering and lathing operations the maximum distance from the face is 18 inches.
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.