1926.451(f)(1): Do Not Overload Scaffolds
Employers must not load scaffolds or scaffold components in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(1) 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 $34,179 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (5), NY (3), ID (2).
- Related part: 1926.451(f) Use (1,223 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(f)(1) 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
(1) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less. 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(f)(1).
At 10:30 a.m. on March 29, 2024, an employee was standing in a rough terrain forklift elevated platform to perform some elevated framing activities. The front outriggers were not in use. When extending the boom and basket to reach the work, the capacity was exceeded,…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: VA (5), NY (3), ID (2), FL (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STUCCO WORKS INC. | MIAMI BEACH, FL | $10,535 |
| ARCHITECTURAL GLASS AND METAL, INC. | SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY | $5,297 |
| HI COOL INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $4,965 |
| A.HDZ CONSTRUCTION, LLC | VICTOR, ID | $4,839 |
| MJZ SERVICES LLC | ALBANY, NY | $2,660 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether plywood may be used as scaffold decking material over wood scaffold planks; 29 CFR 1926.450 and 1926.451. (2006-05-18)
- Whether scaffold components may be loaded in excess of minimum load ratings specified in 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L; whether a safety factor must be added to such load ratings; Non-Mandatory Appendix A. (2005-04-08)
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(f) Use 1,223 citations
- 1926.451(f)(3) 507 citations
- 1926.451(f)(7) 408 citations
- 1926.451(f)(6) 108 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15) 62 citations
- 1926.451(f)(4) 57 citations
- 1926.451(f)(14) 39 citations
- 1926.451(f)(15)(ii) 10 citations
- 1926.451(f)(12) 6 citations
- 1926.451(f)(13) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(5) 5 citations
- 1926.451(f)(16) 2 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How much can a scaffold hold?
No more than its maximum intended load or rated capacity, whichever is less.
Does this apply to components?
Yes. It applies to scaffolds and scaffold components.
What if the two limits differ?
Use whichever is less.
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.