1910.23(b)(12): Hold the Ladder with at Least One Hand
Employers must make sure each worker uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(b)(12) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $43,467 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IA (2), TX (2), WY (1).
- Related part: 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders (683 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(b)(12) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(12) Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it; and 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: IA (2), TX (2), WY (1), MI (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COSENTINOS PRICE CHOPPER | LEAWOOD, KS | $14,187 |
| THE AMERICAN BOTTLING COMPANY | HOUSTON, TX | $12,059 |
| AMERICAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, LLC | HINGHAM, MA | $8,000 |
| BIOTICS RESEARCH CORPORATION | ROSENBERG, TX | $3,256 |
| MENARDS | KALAMAZOO, MI | $3,200 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(b)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders (2021-09-10)
- Ladder Grasp Requirements (2019-06-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders 683 citations
- 1910.23(b)(10) 281 citations
- 1910.23(b)(9) 162 citations
- 1910.23(b)(8) 150 citations
- 1910.23(b)(13) 37 citations
- 1910.23(b)(1) 13 citations
- 1910.23(b)(2) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to hold the ladder while climbing?
Yes. You must use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down.
Does this apply going down too?
Yes. The rule covers both climbing up and climbing down.
Can I carry things in both hands while climbing?
No. At least one hand must grasp the ladder, so plan another way to move tools or materials.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.23 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.