1926.451(g)(4)(iii): Placement of Scaffold Midrails and Screens
When midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels or similar parts are used on scaffold guardrails, they must be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold platform.
Key takeaways
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 21 times in the last 3 years, in 21 inspections, with $37,795 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (4), KY (3), IL (3).
- 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)(4)(iii) 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
(iii) When midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent structural members are used, they shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold platform. 21 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TN (4), KY (3), IL (3), MO (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VELECELA CONSTRUCTION LLC | NEWARK, NJ | $4,839 |
| ACTION ELECTRIC, INC. | SAINT JOSEPH, MO | $4,610 |
| 68277 - DBS CORPORATION CARY P DAVIS | WILDER, KY | $4,480 |
| GENERAL MASONRY LLC | CHICAGO, IL | $4,256 |
| 68279 - CHAD BENTLEY MASONRY CONTRACTORS LLC | WILDER, KY | $3,430 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.451(g)(4)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.451(g)(4)(iii).
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)(2) 46 citations
- 1926.451(g)(3) 33 citations
- 1926.451(g)(4)(iv) 32 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
Where must scaffold midrails go?
Between the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold platform.
Does this apply to screens and mesh?
Yes, along with intermediate vertical members, solid panels and equivalent members.
Why does placement matter?
These parts fill the open space below the top rail so workers cannot fall through.
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.