1926.454(c): Scaffold Retraining
When an employer has reason to believe a worker lacks the skill or understanding to safely erect, use or dismantle scaffolds, the employer must retrain that worker. Retraining is required at least when worksite changes, new types of scaffolds or protective equipment present hazards the worker was not trained on, or when the worker's performance shows lost proficiency.
Key takeaways
- 1926.454(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $173,017 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (17), TX (5), NY (5).
- Related part: 1926.454(c)(3) (28 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.454(c) is one requirement inside 1926.454 Training requirements, 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
(c) When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Retraining is required in at least the following situations: 46 citations
(1) Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or 1 citations
(2) Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or Open (c)(2) 4 citations
(3) Where inadequacies in an affected employee's work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency. Open (c)(3) 28 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.454.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.454(c).
Employee #1 was installing debris netting on the exterior of a scaffold, when hefell from the end, resulting in fatal injuries. the end, resulting in fatal injuries from the fall. The employee impacted the ground and was pronounced dead at the scene.
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: PA (17), TX (5), NY (5), IL (3), FL (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BRANDSAFWAY SERVICES LLC | QUARRYVILLE, PA | $16,550 |
| BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE GROUP OF NEVADA, LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $15,000 |
| LOBAR ASSOCIATES, INC. | MIFFLINTOWN, PA | $12,000 |
| MID-STATE ROOFING AND COATING, INC. | STATE COLLEGE, PA | $11,000 |
| MIDWEST PRESSURE WASHING AND RESTORATION, INC. DBA RESTOREWORKS MASONRY RESTORATION | CHICAGO, IL | $8,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.454(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall protection, training, inspection and design requirements of aerial lifts and scissor lifts/scaffolds. (2000-02-23)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.454(c)(3) 28 citations
- 1926.454(c)(2) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
When must scaffold workers be retrained?
When the employer has reason to believe they lack the needed skill or understanding.
What situations always require retraining?
Worksite changes with new hazards, changes in scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection or other equipment with new hazards, and work showing lost proficiency.
What is the goal of retraining?
To make sure the worker regains the needed proficiency.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.454 (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.