1926.451(f)(14): No Boxes or Barrels on Scaffolds
Employers must not let workers use makeshift devices, such as boxes and barrels, on top of scaffold platforms to increase their working height.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(14) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 39 inspections, with $248,186 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (6), FL (5), IN (3).
- 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)(14) 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
(14) Makeshift devices, such as but not limited to boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of scaffold platforms to increase the working level height of employees. 39 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 | 14 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NY (6), FL (5), IN (3), MD (3), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | ROANOKE, VA | $153,742 |
| THE BUILDEX GROUP | ASTORIA, NY | $6,453 |
| SOUTH SHORE CONSTRUCTION LLC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $6,000 |
| DUBON MASONRY CONSTRUCTION, LLC | CENTRAL FALLS, RI | $5,958 |
| 68953 - SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC | MURRAY, KY | $5,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(14), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(f)(14).
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)(1) 15 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
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stand on a bucket on a scaffold to reach higher?
No. Makeshift devices, such as boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of scaffold platforms to increase working height.
Is the list limited to boxes and barrels?
No. The rule says such as but not limited to boxes and barrels.
What is the goal of this rule?
To stop workers from raising their working level with makeshift devices on the platform.
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.