1926.452(c)(2): Bracing Frame Scaffolds
Employers must brace frame and panel scaffolds with cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, or a combination, that tie the vertical members together side to side. Cross braces must be long enough to automatically square and align the uprights so the scaffold stays plumb, level and square, and all brace connections must be secured.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(c)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 114 times in the last 3 years, in 114 inspections, with $279,157 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (15), TN (15), MI (12).
- Related part: 1926.452(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds (193 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(c)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, 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) Frames and panels shall be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. All brace connections shall be secured. 114 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(c)(2).
At 8:11 a.m. on August 17, 2024, Employee #1 was erecting the 6th level of a scaffold when a frame member of the scaffold came into contact with an energizedoverhead power line. The employee suffered an electrical shock and subsequently fell approximately 30 feet to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 33 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: VA (15), TN (15), MI (12), TX (11), FL (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MICHIGAN SYNTHETIC DESIGNS, INC. | DEARBORN, MI | $21,000 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | FOREST, VA | $14,270 |
| ARGEN CONTRACTING, INC. | PAPILLION, NE | $13,902 |
| ERICK NORMANDO MONTECINO | TOMBALL, TX | $11,916 |
| AF CONSTRUCTION, LLC. | BORDENTOWN, NJ | $11,916 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(c)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds 193 citations
- 1926.452(c)(3) 42 citations
- 1926.452(c)(4) 25 citations
- 1926.452(c)(5) 12 citations
- 1926.452(c)(6)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What bracing is required on frame scaffolds?
Cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, or a combination, that secure vertical members together laterally.
What must cross braces do?
Be of a length that automatically squares and aligns vertical members so the scaffold is always plumb, level and square.
Do brace connections need to be locked?
Yes. All brace connections must be secured.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (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.