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29 CFR 1915.71: Scaffolds or staging

Subpart E—Scaffolds, Ladders and Other Working Surfaces

73citations since 2015
46employers cited
86%serious, willful or repeat
$2,818median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1915.71 73 times since 2015, against 46 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $379,352 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1915.71(j)(1) · 20 citations

(j) Backrails and toeboards. (1) Scaffolding, staging, runways, or working platforms which are supported or suspended more than 5 feet above a solid surface, or at any distance above the water, shall be provided with a railing which has a top rail whose upper surface is from 42 to 45 inches above the upper surface of the staging, platform, or runway and a midrail located halfway between the upper rail and the staging, platform, or runway.

1915.71(b)(5) · 13 citations

(5) Scaffolds shall be maintained in a safe and secure condition. Any component of the scaffold which is broken, burned or otherwise defective shall be replaced.

1915.71(b)(7) · 9 citations

(7) No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of competent persons.

1915.71(d)(4) · 8 citations

(4) Posts shall be fitted with bases supported on a firm foundation to distribute the load. When wooden sills are used, the bases shall be fastened thereto.

1915.71(j)(5) · 4 citations

(5) When necessary, to prevent tools and materials from falling on men below, toeboards of not less than 1 × 4 inch lumber shall be provided.

1915.71(k)(1) · 4 citations

(k) Access to staging. (1) Access from below to staging more than 5 feet above a floor, deck or the ground shall consist of well secured stairways, cleated ramps, fixed or portable ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915.72 or rigid type non-collapsible trestles with parallel and level rungs.

1915.71(b)(4) · 2 citations

(4) All lumber used in the construction of scaffolds shall be sound, straight-grained, free from cross grain, shakes and large, loose or dead knots. It shall also be free from dry rot, large checks, worm holes or other defects which impair its strength or durability.

1915.71(d)(6) · 2 citations

(6) Tubular bracing shall be applied both lengthwise and crosswise as required.

Industries cited most

  • Manufacturing 67
  • Retail Trade 2
  • Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 1
  • Construction 1
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 1
  • Other Services (except Public Administration) 1

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Recently cited employers