1926.451(c)(2)(i): Solid Scaffold Footings
Employers must make scaffold footings level, sound, rigid and able to support the loaded scaffold without settling or shifting.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(c)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 110 times in the last 3 years, in 109 inspections, with $401,837 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (17), FL (16), CO (7).
- 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)(2)(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) Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement. 110 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 35 |
Top states: VA (17), FL (16), CO (7), PA (6), NC (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $153,740 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | LYNCHBURG, VA | $15,375 |
| JOSE CALLE | HATBORO, PA | $13,902 |
| SEALY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC | CALERA, AL | $9,268 |
| AGM KONSTRUCTION, LLC | SANTA FE, NM | $7,986 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(c)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether a safety factor must be incorporated into the design of footings for supported scaffolds. (2005-04-11)
- 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)(ii) 77 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(ii) 35 citations
- 1926.451(c)(1)(iii) 15 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
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must scaffold footings be like?
Level, sound, rigid and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement.
What load must footings carry?
The loaded scaffold.
Can a footing be allowed to settle?
No. It must support the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement.
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.