1910.23(c)(7)(ii): Barricading Ladders in Traffic Areas
Portable ladders in places like passageways, doorways or driveways, where other activities or traffic could knock them, may be guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep activities or traffic away from the ladder.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(c)(7)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $11,020 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.23(c) Portable ladders (462 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(c)(7)(ii) 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
(ii) Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder; 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(c)(7)(ii).
On April 8, 2024, an employee working for a concrete products mixing company fell approximately 5 feet from a stepladder suffering head trauma. At 9:45 a.m.on April 9, 2024, while being treated in the hospital, the employee experienced multiple strokes and died.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(c)(7)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(c)(7)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(c) Portable ladders 462 citations
- 1910.23(c)(11) 198 citations
- 1910.23(c)(3) 68 citations
- 1910.23(c)(8) 61 citations
- 1910.23(c)(7) 42 citations
- 1910.23(c)(4) 38 citations
- 1910.23(c)(9) 33 citations
- 1910.23(c)(7)(i) 21 citations
- 1910.23(c)(2) 7 citations
- 1910.23(c)(1) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How can a ladder in a walkway be protected?
By a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep activities or traffic away.
Where does this apply?
Places like passageways, doorways or driveways where the ladder could be displaced by other activities or traffic.
What is the goal of the barricade?
To keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder.
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.