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29 CFR 1926.1053: Ladders in construction

Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders · official heading: Ladders

Portable ladders used to reach an upper level must extend at least 3 feet above it, be used only for what they were designed for, and be kept free of defects.

43,177citations since 2015
30,989employers cited
90%serious, willful or repeat
$1,500median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.1053 43,177 times since 2015, against 30,989 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $91,286,004 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.1053(b)(1) · 25,360 citations

(1) When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.

1926.1053(b)(4) · 5,146 citations

(4) Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.

1926.1053(b)(13) · 4,605 citations

(13) The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.

1926.1053(b)(16) · 1,762 citations

(16) Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that readily identifies them as defective, or be tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until repaired.

1926.1053(b)(6) · 1,060 citations

(6) Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.

1926.1053(b)(5)(i) · 997 citations

(5)(i) Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support).

1926.1053(b)(22) · 966 citations

(22) An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall.

1926.1053(b)(15) · 617 citations

(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.

Industries cited most

  • Construction 42,213
  • Manufacturing 207
  • Wholesale Trade 174
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 147
  • Utilities 74
  • Retail Trade 60

States cited most

Recently cited employers