1926.452(w)(6): Riding on Mobile Scaffolds
Workers may ride on mobile scaffolds only when the surface is within 3 degrees of level and free of pits, holes and obstructions, the height to base ratio is two to one or less unless the scaffold meets stability test requirements, outriggers are on both sides when used, powered movement is applied to the wheels at no more than 1 foot per second, and no one is on any part extending beyond the wheels.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(w)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 44 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $252,582 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (9), MD (4), NJ (3).
- 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)(6) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 5 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
(6) Employees shall not be allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the following conditions exist: 44 citations
(i) The surface on which the scaffold is being moved is within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits, holes, and obstructions; Open (w)(6)(i) 27 citations
(ii) The height to base width ratio of the scaffold during movement is two to one or less, unless the scaffold is designed and constructed to meet or exceed nationally recognized stability test requirements such as those listed in paragraph 2.(w) of appendix A to this subpart; Open (w)(6)(ii) 3 citations
(iii) Outrigger frames, when used, are installed on both sides of the scaffold; Open (w)(6)(iii) 2 citations
(iv) When power systems are used, the propelling force is applied directly to the wheels, and does not produce a speed in excess of 1 foot per second (.3 mps); and Open (w)(6)(iv) 1 citations
(v) No employee is on any part of the scaffold which extends outward beyond the wheels, casters, or other supports. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(w)(6).
At 9:45 a.m. on October 31, 2024, an employee was driving a Genie power mobile scaffold (scissor lift) from the cellar level to the first floor. The employee became caught between the machinery and a wall, sustaining fatal trauma to the chest and abdomen.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: TX (9), MD (4), NJ (3), IA (3), SD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BARBIZON CHARLOTTE, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $71,000 |
| TARSCO CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | NEDERLAND, TX | $14,895 |
| W. J. BACHMAN MECHANICAL SHEETMETAL CO. OF FLORIDA, INC. | CLEARWATER, FL | $12,413 |
| CT MASONS LLC | NEW BRITAIN, CT | $11,585 |
| PIEDMONT STEEL, LLC | ELLABELL, GA | $11,292 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(w)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Moving Mobile Scaffolds. (2005-06-17)
- Height to base width ratio for mobile scaffolds with/without outriggers. (2004-03-10)
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
- Safety Standards regulating the stability of mobile scaffolds, scissor lifts, and aerial work platforms. (2002-06-10)
- Securing of a platform (metal decking) on a manually propelled scaffold. (1999-06-14)
- Moving mobile (Baker) scaffolds; locking casters and wheels. (1998-06-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds 137 citations
- 1926.452(w)(2) 60 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(i) 27 citations
- 1926.452(w)(1) 10 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
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How level must the floor be to ride a mobile scaffold?
Within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits, holes and obstructions.
What height to base ratio is allowed while riding?
Two to one or less, unless the scaffold is designed to meet or exceed recognized stability test requirements.
How fast can a powered scaffold move with riders?
No faster than 1 foot per second, with force applied directly to the wheels.
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.