According to OSHA regulations, what is the maximum height scaffolds can reach?

The correct response is founded on OSHA regulations, which state that scaffolds can be erected to a maximum height that is no more than four times their base width. This guideline ensures stability and safety by preventing the scaffold from becoming top-heavy or unstable as it rises higher.

By maintaining this ratio, the risk of collapse is minimized, especially when accounting for environmental factors such as wind or the load-bearing weight of workers and materials on the scaffold. This design principle is critical in safeguarding workers who rely on scaffolding to perform their tasks at elevated heights.

In practice, this regulation reflects best practices in engineering and construction, prioritizing worker safety above all. While other ratios may be observed in certain contexts or configurations, adhering to the four times the base width rule is a foundational aspect of scaffolding safety regulations laid out by OSHA.