1926.451(f)(15): No Ladders on Scaffolds
Employers must not let employees use ladders on scaffolds to increase working height, except on large area scaffolds where the scaffold is secured against ladder side thrust, platform units are secured, ladder legs are on the same platform or stabilized, and ladder legs are secured from slipping or being pushed off.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(f)(15) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 62 times in the last 3 years, in 62 inspections, with $145,647 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (8), FL (5), NC (5).
- 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)(15) is one requirement inside 1926.451 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(15) Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees, except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria: 62 citations
(i) When the ladder is placed against a structure which is not a part of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder; 2 citations
(ii) The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement; Open (f)(15)(ii) 10 citations
(iii) The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to stabilize the ladder against unequal platform deflection, and Open (f)(15)(iii)
(iv) The ladder legs shall be secured to prevent them from slipping or being pushed off the platform.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.451.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.451(f)(15).
At 1:00 p.m. on January 16, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a concrete contractor was starting the process of removing forms from Tower 6. Employee #1 was working with Coworker #1 stripping the forms from a pouring operation. The crew was working on the…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 23 |
Top states: MI (8), FL (5), NC (5), NY (4), VA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FCX2025XNM858X0025 - E & E COMPANIES LLC | SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ | $16,131 |
| RODRIGUEZ SERVICES INC. | LOVETTSVILLE, VA | $10,763 |
| TESLA MOTORS NV, INC. | SPARKS, NV | $10,641 |
| LAROCHELLE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | NORTHAMPTON, MA | $7,500 |
| MONSEY PREMIER PAINTERS INC. | SPRING VALLEY, NY | $7,110 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(f)(15), 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)
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)(4) 57 citations
- 1926.451(f)(14) 39 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 a ladder be used on a scaffold to reach higher?
No, except on large area scaffolds where all the listed criteria are met.
What must be done with the ladder legs?
They must be on the same platform or otherwise stabilized, and secured to prevent slipping or being pushed off the platform.
What if the ladder leans against a structure not part of the scaffold?
The scaffold must be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder.
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.