Resources for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA: A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry

U.S. Department of Labor

On August 30, 1996, OSHA issued revised standards for scaffolds. The revised standard, known as
“Safety Standards for Scaffolds Used in the Construction Industry,” is found in Title 29 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part, Subpart L. The final rule updates the existing construction scaffold standards in
Subpart L. The new standards set performance-based criteria to protect employees from scaffold-related
hazards such as falls, falling objects, structural instability, electrocution, or overloading.

The new final rule addresses training and various types of scaffolds, as well as as falling object protection,
ladders, weather conditions, aerial lifts, stilts, and other matters that were not previously covered by the
OSHA scaffold standards. In addition, it allows employers more flexibility when using protective
systems for workers on scaffolding. The language of the rule has been simplified by eliminating duplicative and outdated provisions, consolidating overlapping requirements, and enhancing performance-based criteria to allow employers more flexibility in compliance while still protecting employees.

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