1926.451(e)(9)(i): Safe Access for Scaffold Erectors
Employers must provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where it is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. A competent person must decide this based on site conditions and the type of scaffold.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(e)(9)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $24,327 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (2), PA (2), NY (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(e) Access (924 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(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) The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The employer shall have a competent person determine whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide, and have employees use a safe means of access. This determination shall be based on site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NC (2), PA (2), NY (2), MA (1), OK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MD CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION INC. | NEW YORK, NY | $3,972 |
| EASTSIDE BUILDERS INC. | NEW YORK, NY | $3,972 |
| GTO CONSTRUCTION, LLC | TULSA, OK | $3,783 |
| KRYSIEK YOWALKOWSKI DBA KRZYSZTOF KOWALKOWSKI DBA CHRIS CARPENTRY CO. | MOKENA, IL | $3,042 |
| SJ KEENAN MASONRY INC | MAYNARD, MA | $2,420 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(e)(9)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process in construction. (2004-01-22)
- 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(e) Access 924 citations
- 1926.451(e)(1) 792 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9) 38 citations
- 1926.451(e)(8) 28 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5) 27 citations
- 1926.451(e)(5)(i) 24 citations
- 1926.451(e)(9)(iv) 23 citations
- 1926.451(e)(4) 16 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6) 11 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2) 9 citations
- 1926.451(e)(6)(i) 7 citations
- 1926.451(e)(2)(iii) 4 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
Do scaffold erectors need safe access?
Yes, where it is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.
Who decides if safe access is feasible?
A competent person chosen by the employer.
What is the decision based on?
Site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled.
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.