1926.451(b)(5)(i): Scaffold Platform End Overhang
Employers must make sure each end of a scaffold platform 10 feet or less in length does not extend over its support more than 12 inches, unless the platform is designed and installed so the cantilevered part can hold workers or materials without tipping, or has guardrails blocking access to the cantilevered end.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(b)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 21 times in the last 3 years, in 21 inspections, with $46,550 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (3), FL (3), NH (3).
- 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)(5)(i) 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
(i) Each end of a platform 10 feet or less in length shall not extend over its support more than 12 inches (30 cm) unless the platform is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees and/or materials without tipping, or has guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end. 21 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)(5)(i).
At 8:11 a.m. on August 17, 2024, Employee #1 was erecting the 6th level of a scaffold when a frame member of the scaffold came into contact with an energizedoverhead power line. The employee suffered an electrical shock and subsequently fell approximately 30 feet to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TN (3), FL (3), NH (3), MA (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RMA STATE RENOVATIONS INC | APOLLO BEACH, FL | $5,958 |
| BRIDGESTONE MASONRY LLC | RUSSELLVILLE, AR | $5,675 |
| ROCKLEDGE SCAFFOLD CORP | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY | $5,531 |
| A-CLASS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $5,202 |
| PRO HOME BUILDERS GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, INC. | LEXINGTON, MA | $4,688 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
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)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.451(b)(7) 51 citations
- 1926.451(b)(4) 49 citations
- 1926.451(b)(10) 25 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 short platform extend past its support?
Not more than 12 inches (30 cm) for platforms 10 feet or less in length, unless an exception applies.
What are the exceptions?
The cantilevered portion is designed to hold workers or materials without tipping, or guardrails block employee access to it.
Which platforms does this apply to?
Platforms 10 feet or less in length.
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.