1910.23(c): Portable Ladder Safety
Employers must make sure portable ladders have slip-resistant metal rungs, stepladder spreaders that lock open, and loads within the maximum intended load. Ladders must be used on stable, level surfaces, never moved with someone on them, and secured or barricaded in doorways and walkways. The top step or cap of a stepladder cannot be used, and ladders used to reach an upper level must extend 3 feet above it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(c) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 462 times in the last 3 years, in 418 inspections, with $1,198,349 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OR (64), TN (57), NY (30).
- Related part: 1910.23(c)(11) (198 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(c) ("Portable ladders") is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 15 sub-paragraphs. 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
(c) Portable ladders. The employer must ensure: 462 citations
(1) Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping; Open (c)(1) 3 citations
(2) Each stepladder or combination ladder used in a stepladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in an open position while the ladder is in use; Open (c)(2) 7 citations
(3) Ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load; Open (c)(3) 68 citations
The maximum intended load, as defined in § 1910.21(b), includes the total load (weight and force) of the employee and all tools, equipment, and materials being carried.
(4) Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement; Open (c)(4) 38 citations
(5) No portable single rail ladders are used; 1 citations
(6) No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it; 2 citations
(7) Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic: Open (c)(7) 42 citations
(i) Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or Open (c)(7)(i) 21 citations
(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; Open (c)(7)(ii) 6 citations
(8) The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps; Open (c)(8) 61 citations
(9) Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized; Open (c)(9) 33 citations
(10) The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment; 3 citations
(11) Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section); Open (c)(11) 198 citations
(12) Ladders and ladder sections are not tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use; 2 citations
(13) Ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(c).
At 10:40 a.m. on December 4, 2024, Employee #1 was in the attic of a building changing filters on two air conditioning units. During the task, the employee fell through an attic access point and landed on the ground. The employee was found unconscious with…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 176 |
| 2026 | 124 |
Top states: OR (64), TN (57), NY (30), TX (26), MA (25)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ADIDAS AMERICA, INC. | CHESTER, NY | $116,848 |
| MAR-JAC POULTRY MS, LLC | HATTIESBURG, MS | $28,124 |
| THE WATKINS AT SHOCKOE | RICHMOND, VA | $22,020 |
| DEKRA NORTH AMERICA | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $17,001 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Alternative fall protection program when guardrails are infeasible to install. (2006-02-14)
- Fall protection requirements when working from ladders in the telecommunications industry (2005-05-23)
- Additional fall protection requirements for concrete trucks when work platforms are equipped with guardrails and toeboards. (2003-12-16)
- Workers must be protected from hazards of heated (hot) surfaces. (1998-08-19)
- Fall protection for an extendable gangway. (1995-07-24)
- Whether additional handrails are required on the grated walkways provided on one side of the 13 belt conveyors. (1990-09-14)
- The acceptability of manhole entries through concentric cone or eccentric cone concrete pipe transition sections to underground workplaces. (1986-05-13)
- Guardrail and toeboard requirements for antenna platforms. (1983-06-03)
- A tie-off system is acceptable where a standard guardrails are not feasible (1980-05-13)
- Interpretation on requirements for guard rail height on ledges. (1979-11-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 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)(7)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(c)(1) 3 citations
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Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How far must a ladder extend above a landing?
At least 3 feet above the upper landing surface when used for access.
Can I stand on the top step of a stepladder?
No. The cap and top step of a stepladder may not be used as steps.
What if a ladder is in a doorway?
It must be secured to prevent displacement or guarded with a temporary barricade like cones or caution tape.
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.