1926.452(w)(1): Bracing Scaffolds
Employers must brace scaffolds with cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, or a combination, to prevent racking or collapse and secure vertical members together. Scaffolds must be plumb, level and squared, all brace connections secured, and tube and coupler or frame scaffolds must also meet their own paragraphs.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(w)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $34,147 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: LA (2), PR (2), PA (1).
- Related part: 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds (137 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(w)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 2 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
(1) Scaffolds shall be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination thereof, to prevent racking or collapse of the scaffold and to secure vertical members together laterally so as to automatically square and align the vertical members. Scaffolds shall be plumb, level, and squared. All brace connections shall be secured. 10 citations
(i) Scaffolds constructed of tube and coupler components shall also comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section;
(ii) Scaffolds constructed of fabricated frame components shall also comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
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(w)(1).
On December 10, 2024, Employee #1 was working on a roof, applying tape between roof joints. While walking backward during the task, he slipped and fell approximately 12 feet to the ground. The employee sustained critical injuries from the impact of his back striking the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: LA (2), PR (2), PA (1), OR (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 108291 - ANDERSON SANDBLASTING INC | RENVILLE, MN | $6,600 |
| JP MASONRY LLC | DENHAM SPRINGS, LA | $6,452 |
| TNT MASONRY, INC. | GONZALES, LA | $6,250 |
| LIAM CONSTRUCTION LLC | LEHIGH ACRES, FL | $4,965 |
| HEPCO CONSTRUCTION, INC. | SUNBURY, PA | $3,800 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(w)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(w)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds 137 citations
- 1926.452(w)(2) 60 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6) 44 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(i) 27 citations
- 1926.452(w)(5) 6 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iii) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(3) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iv) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What bracing is required?
Cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, or a combination of them.
What must the scaffold be?
Plumb, level and squared.
What about brace connections?
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.