Three construction workers were killed and two workers injured after a Port Arthur, TX scaffolding collapse on April 29, 2025. Click here for more details. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L is devoted entirely to construction scaffold work (please note the 29 CFR 1910 General Industry enforces this subpart for general industry as well. Specifically, 29 CFR 1926.451 (f)(7) requires a trained competent person oversee all scaffold work:
Competent Person Requirement
“Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 60 annual deaths from scaffold accidents. In addition, approximately 4,500 workers are injured each year (according to Enjuris).
Safe Work Practices
- Many of my clients only permit contractors to use one pre-approved scaffold company for work performed at their facility;
- Ensure your site has a sufficient number of competent persons to ensure your employees are working on scaffolds safely as well as contractors they oversee on your site.
Jon