Nebraska § 48-425 - Scaffolds or staging; safety requirements.

Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 48-425 — Scaffolds or staging; safety requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-425. Scaffolds or staging; safety requirements.

All scaffolds, hoists, cranes, stays, ladders, supports or other mechanical contrivances used in the erection, repairing, alteration, removal or painting of any house, building, bridge, viaduct or other structure, shall be erected and constructed in a safe, suitable and proper manner. Scaffolding or staging, swung or suspended from an overhead support and more than twenty feet from the ground floor, shall have, where practicable, a safety rail properly bolted, secured and braced, rising at least thirty-four inches above the floor or main portion of such scaffolding or staging, and extending along the entire length of the outside and ends thereof and properly attached thereto, and such scaffolding and staging shall be so fastened as to prevent the same from swaying from the building or structure.

1. Scaffolding or staging

2. Miscellaneous

1. Scaffolding or staging

This section does not preclude indemnification against a breach of the statutory duty concerning scaffolding. Oddo v. Speedway Scaffold Co., 233 Neb. 1, 443 N.W.2d 596 (1989).

It is the responsibility of a subcontractor who owns, erects, and controls scaffold for use of his own employees to comply with safety regulations hereunder. Hand v. Rorick Constr. Co., 190 Neb. 191, 206 N.W.2d 835 (1973).

Duty to secure ladder was that of plaintiff independent contractor rather than of defendant general contractor. Laaker v. Hartman, 186 Neb. 774, 186 N.W.2d 494 (1971).

Defective scaffold formed the basis of cross-petition by defendant against codefendant. Rogers v. Western Electric Co., 179 Neb. 359, 138 N.W.2d 423 (1965).

Prior case involving scaffolding on building is distinguished. Fosler v. Aden, 175 Neb. 535, 122 N.W.2d 494 (1963).

Where scaffold was supplied under contract of bailment, bailor was liable if scaffold did not meet requirements of statute. Baer v. Schaap, 168 Neb. 578, 97 N.W.2d 207 (1959).

Scaffold must be safe, suitable, and proper for the purpose for which it is used, and employer is liable if it does not meet this requirement. Johnson v. Weborg, 142 Neb. 516, 7 N.W.2d 65 (1942).

Issue of responsibility for proper erection and maintenance of ladder was question for a jury. Farmers Co-op Elevator Ass'n. v. Strand, 382 F.2d 224 (8th Cir. 1967).

Erection of an unsafe scaffold is negligence per se. Continental Can Co. v. Horton, 250 F.2d 637 (8th Cir. 1957).

2. Miscellaneous

This section does not apply to employer-independent contractor relationships. Semler v. Sears, Roebuck, & Co., 268 Neb. 857, 689 N.W.2d 327 (2004).

Section is constitutional as to owner of real estate. Butera v. Mardis Co., 99 Neb. 815, 157 N.W. 1024 (1916).

Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 48-425

What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 48-425 cover?

Section 48-425 ("Scaffolds or staging; safety requirements.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Nebraska § 48-425?

A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 48-425" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Nebraska law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.

How does Nebraska § 48-425 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.