1926.451(g)(2): Fall Protection When Building Scaffolds
Employers must have a competent person decide whether fall protection is feasible and safe for workers erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Fall protection must be provided where it is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $174,847 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (6), CT (4), MA (4).
- 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)(2) 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
(2) Effective September 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. 46 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(g)(2).
At 11:30 a.m. on November 18, 2024, Employee #1 was erecting a scaffold system when he fell to the ground. He sustained fatal injuries including broken bones and internal organ damage.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (6), CT (4), MA (4), FL (4), PA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NDO CONSTRUCTION INC | OCALA, FL | $16,550 |
| CL CONSTRUCTION LLC | COURTLAND, KS | $11,978 |
| SANCHEZ CONSTRUCTION LLC | BELLEVILLE, NJ | $10,923 |
| WADDELL CONCRETE INC. | SAINT CHARLES, MO | $8,689 |
| M.F. REYNOLDS, INC. | WENHAM, MA | $7,904 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(g)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether there is a conflict between provisions in 1926.451 regarding the use of screening. (2005-05-11)
- Scaffolding/shoring (2005-04-11)
- Fall protection requirements for pump jack scaffold railings. (2004-03-25)
- Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process in construction. (2004-01-22)
- Fall protection requirements during installation and removal or tarps and sheeting on/from scaffolds; qualifications of person determining safety on scaffold with wind imposed forces. (2003-07-16)
- Exemptions for installation of guardrails on wall (interior) side. (2001-12-11)
- Fall protection and access for scaffold erecting and dismantling. (1997-12-04)
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)(1)(vi) 65 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
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides on fall protection for scaffold erectors?
A competent person must determine its feasibility and safety.
When must fall protection be provided for erectors?
Where installing and using it is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.
Does this apply to supported scaffolds?
Yes. It covers employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.
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.