1926.451(c)(1)(iii): Prevent Scaffold Tipping From Eccentric Loads
Employers must use ties, guys, braces or outriggers to prevent supported scaffolds from tipping whenever an eccentric load, such as a cantilevered work platform, is applied or transmitted to the scaffold.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $80,718 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (3), CT (2), IN (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds (1,296 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)(iii) 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
(iii) Ties, guys, braces, or outriggers shall be used to prevent the tipping of supported scaffolds in all circumstances where an eccentric load, such as a cantilevered work platform, is applied or is transmitted to the scaffold. 15 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(c)(1)(iii).
On April 8, 2024, an employee working for a masonry contractor was applying stucco to a building. The employee was working from the 5th buck of a five-buck-high tubular welded frame scaffold. Coworkers recently observed the employee on his knees while working. The mid-rail guardrail…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), CT (2), IN (2), PA (2), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SAFESIDE, INC. | TOLLAND, CT | $20,000 |
| BRAND SAFWAY LLC. | PASADENA, TX | $13,240 |
| WINCO MASONRY LP | GALVESTON, TX | $11,916 |
| SAFESIDE, INC. | TOLLAND, CT | $7,500 |
| PELCO BUILDERS, INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $7,340 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(1)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- 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)
- Clarification of requirements for construction scaffold erection/dismantling; safe means of access; blocks for two-point suspension scaffolds. (2002-01-02)
- Tie, guy, and bracing requirements for scaffold systems. (2000-08-04)
- Foundation requirements for scaffolds; competent person qualifications for assessing foundations. (2000-08-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(c) Criteria for supported scaffolds 1,296 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2) 1,056 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(v) 225 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iv) 187 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1) 121 citations
- 1926.451(c)(3) 119 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(i) 110 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(ii) 77 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(ii) 35 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(i) 14 citations
- 1926.451(c)(2)(iii) 13 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
When are ties or outriggers required?
In all circumstances where an eccentric load is applied or transmitted to a supported scaffold.
What is an example of an eccentric load?
A cantilevered work platform.
What can be used to prevent tipping?
Ties, guys, braces, or outriggers.
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.