1910.23(d)(13): Clearance Around Fixed Ladders
Employers must make sure fixed ladders without cages or wells have a clear width of at least 15 inches on each side of the centerline to the nearest permanent object, and at least 30 inches from the rung centerline to the nearest object on the climbing side. At unavoidable obstructions this may drop to 24 inches if deflector plates are installed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(d)(13) 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 9 inspections, with $15,386 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (4), OK (2), NY (1).
- Related part: 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders (114 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(d)(13) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 2 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
(13) Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells have: 10 citations
(i) A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and 4 citations
(ii) A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed (see Figure D-5 of this section). Open (d)(13)(ii) 6 citations
Section 1910.28 establishes the employer's duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders, and § 1910.29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders.
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(d)(13).
At 4:50 a.m. on January 13, 2024, Employee #1 (a 30-year-old male) was working at the bottom of a pit, while molten metal was poured from a ladle maneuvered bya crane above into a casting. Unexpectedly, the ladle became stuck in the open position, spilling…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OH (4), OK (2), NY (1), CT (1), NH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ELLWOOD ENGINEERED CASTINGS COMPANY | HUBBARD, OH | $8,296 |
| LOPEZ FOODS, INC. | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $7,090 |
| PLATTSBURGH CITY SD HIGH SCHOOL | PLATTSBURGH, NY | $0 |
| KALMBACH FEEDS, INC. | UPPER SANDUSKY, OH | $0 |
| XAVIER UNIVERSITY | NORWOOD, OH | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(d)(13), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(d)(13).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders 114 citations
- 1910.23(d)(7) 37 citations
- 1910.23(d)(4) 28 citations
- 1910.23(d)(2) 17 citations
- 1910.23(d)(13)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(d)(1) 5 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How much side clearance is needed?
At least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object.
How much room on the climbing side?
At least 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object.
What if there is an obstruction?
The clearance may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm) if deflector plates are installed.
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 2026-10-21
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.