1926.451(g)(1)(vi): Fall Protection for Overhand Bricklaying
Employers must protect each employee doing overhand bricklaying from a supported scaffold from falling from all open sides and ends, except the side next to the wall being laid, using a personal fall arrest system or a guardrail system with a minimum 200 pound toprail capacity.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vi) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 65 times in the last 3 years, in 65 inspections, with $280,967 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (9), NC (7), IN (7).
- Related part: 1926.451(g) Fall protection (2,811 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(vi) 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
(vi) Each employee performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold shall be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) by the use of a personal fall arrest system or guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity). 65 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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Top states: VA (9), NC (7), IN (7), GA (4), KY (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UNITED BUILDERS GROUP CO. | NILES, IL | $72,826 |
| GENESIS MASONRY, LLC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $25,781 |
| DAN LEPORE & SONS COMPANY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,550 |
| JOSEPH RIZZO & SONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | GEORGETOWN, DE | $11,585 |
| A-1 SANDBLASTING, INC. | LAS VEGAS, NV | $7,813 |
Free toolbox talk
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds. (2006-09-14)
- Fall protection requirements for workers constructing a water tower while on a scaffold. (2005-04-05)
- Clarification of 1926.451(a)(6) requirements for scaffolds and bridge-painting projects. (2002-08-06)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.451(g) Fall protection 2,811 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1) 2,215 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(vii) 673 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4) 516 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(i) 392 citations
- 1926.451(g)(1)(i) 149 citations
- 1926.451(g)(2) 46 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3) 33 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iv) 32 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iii) 21 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3)(i) 20 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(xv) 16 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Which sides need protection during overhand bricklaying?
All open sides and ends of the scaffold, except the side next to the wall being laid.
What protection is allowed?
A personal fall arrest system or a guardrail system with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity.
What scaffold type does this cover?
Supported scaffolds used for overhand bricklaying.
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.