1926.452(w): Mobile Scaffold Requirements
Employers must brace mobile scaffolds to prevent racking or collapse, keep them plumb, level and square, and lock casters and wheels while the scaffold is used in a stationary manner. Manual force to move a scaffold must be applied as close to the base as practicable and not more than 5 feet above the supporting surface, scaffolds must be stabilized against tipping during movement, and workers may ride only when listed conditions are met.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(w) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 137 times in the last 3 years, in 125 inspections, with $489,744 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (13), FL (12), PR (9).
- Related part: 1926.452(w)(2) (60 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(w) ("Mobile scaffolds") is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 17 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
(w) Mobile scaffolds. 137 citations
(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. Open (w)(1) 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.
(2) Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means, to prevent movement of the scaffold while the scaffold is used in a stationary manner. Open (w)(2) 60 citations
(3) Manual force used to move the scaffold shall be applied as close to the base as practicable, but not more than 5 feet (1.5 m) above the supporting surface. Open (w)(3) 2 citations
(4) Power systems used to propel mobile scaffolds shall be designed for such use. Forklifts, trucks, similar motor vehicles or add-on motors shall not be used to propel scaffolds unless the scaffold is designed for such propulsion systems.
(5) Scaffolds shall be stabilized to prevent tipping during movement. Open (w)(5) 6 citations
(6) Employees shall not be allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the following conditions exist: Open (w)(6) 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
(7) Platforms shall not extend outward beyond the base supports of the scaffold unless outrigger frames or equivalent devices are used to ensure stability. 5 citations
(8) Where leveling of the scaffold is necessary, screw jacks or equivalent means shall be used. 1 citations
(9) Caster stems and wheel stems shall be pinned or otherwise secured in scaffold legs or adjustment screws. 5 citations
(10) Before a scaffold is moved, each employee on the scaffold shall be made aware of the move. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(w).
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…
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 | 8 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 48 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Top states: TX (13), FL (12), PR (9), PA (9), NJ (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BARBIZON CHARLOTTE, INC. | ATLANTA, GA | $71,000 |
| TARSCO CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | NEDERLAND, TX | $14,895 |
| 108291 - ANDERSON SANDBLASTING INC | RENVILLE, MN | $13,200 |
| MCCOMAS-LACINA CONSTRUCTION | MARION, IA | $12,500 |
| W. J. BACHMAN MECHANICAL SHEETMETAL CO. OF FLORIDA, INC. | CLEARWATER, FL | $12,413 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(w), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Are podium ladders covered under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X or Subpart L? (2007-12-10)
- Re: Subpart L; scaffolds; Companion Rail, rail extensions for mobile scaffolds; 1926.451. (2007-01-26)
- Moving Mobile Scaffolds. (2005-06-17)
- Application of OSHA construction standards that govern the loading of materials onto scissor lifts and the restraining of those stored materials. (2005-01-19)
- The use of extension cord while working from scissor lift; requirement to secure or barricade a ladder. (2004-05-27)
- Height to base width ratio for mobile scaffolds with/without outriggers. (2004-03-10)
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- 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)
- Use of aerial lifts to transport workers to elevated workstations; scissor lifts are not covered by the aerial lift provisions. (2001-05-03)
- Requirements for scaffold toprails and midrails;moving mobile scaffolds; outrigger frames. (2000-06-09)
- Evaluation of a single-person, manually propelled, mobile work platform. (2000-05-18)
- Fall protection, training, inspection and design requirements of aerial lifts and scissor lifts/scaffolds. (2000-02-23)
- Securing of a platform (metal decking) on a manually propelled scaffold. (1999-06-14)
- Aerial lift regulations; fall protection for scissor lifts. (1998-07-21)
- Moving mobile (Baker) scaffolds; locking casters and wheels. (1998-06-08)
- Regulations for scaffold casters. (1992-06-24)
- Riding manually propelled mobile scaffolds at construction sites. (1992-05-21)
- "Rustgo Work Platform". (1985-11-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(w)(2) 60 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6) 44 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can I push a rolling scaffold from the top?
No. Manual force must be applied as close to the base as practicable, but not more than 5 feet above the supporting surface.
Can a forklift be used to move a mobile scaffold?
Not unless the scaffold is designed for that kind of propulsion system.
Can workers ride on a mobile scaffold while it moves?
Only when listed conditions exist, such as a surface within 3 degrees of level and free of pits, holes and obstructions, and a height to base width ratio of two to one or less unless the scaffold is designed to meet stability test requirements.
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.