1926.452(c)(5): Brackets on Fabricated Frame Scaffolds
Employers must seat brackets that support cantilevered loads with side-brackets parallel to the frames and end-brackets at 90 degrees to the frames, and must not let them be bent or twisted from those positions. Brackets may be used only to support personnel unless a qualified engineer has designed the scaffold for other loads and it is built to withstand the resulting tipping forces.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(c)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $16,445 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (6), PR (2), MI (2).
- 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)(5) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 3 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
(5) Brackets used to support cantilevered loads shall: 12 citations
(i) Be seated with side-brackets parallel to the frames and end-brackets at 90 degrees to the frames;
(ii) Not be bent or twisted from these positions; and 2 citations
(iii) Be used only to support personnel, unless the scaffold has been designed for other loads by a qualified engineer and built to withstand the tipping forces caused by those other loads being placed on the bracket-supported section of the scaffold. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: VA (6), PR (2), MI (2), TN (1), IL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS INC | HENRICO, VA | $6,225 |
| DSC CONSTRUCTION LLC | CHICAGO, IL | $2,838 |
| LOS PRIMOS MASONRY LLC | SALEM, VA | $1,950 |
| GIJ MASONRY, LLC | DALEVILLE, VA | $1,485 |
| STINNETT PLASTERING & STUCCO INC. | DALEVILLE, VA | $1,407 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(c)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(c)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(c) Fabricated frame scaffolds 193 citations
- 1926.452(c)(2) 114 citations
- 1926.452(c)(3) 42 citations
- 1926.452(c)(4) 25 citations
- 1926.452(c)(6)
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
How must side-brackets be seated?
Parallel to the frames.
How must end-brackets be seated?
At 90 degrees to the frames.
Can I put materials on a scaffold bracket?
Only if the scaffold has been designed for other loads by a qualified engineer and built to withstand the tipping forces; otherwise brackets support personnel only.
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.