1910.23(d)(2): Clearance Behind Fixed Ladders
Employers must make sure the minimum perpendicular distance from the centerline of the steps, rungs or grab bars of a fixed ladder to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder is 7 inches (18 cm). Elevator pit ladders need a minimum of 4.5 inches (11 cm).
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(d)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $47,035 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (2), MD (2), MN (2).
- 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)(2) 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
(2) The minimum perpendicular distance from the centerline of the steps or rungs, or grab bars, or both, to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder is 7 inches (18 cm), except for elevator pit ladders, which have a minimum perpendicular distance of 4.5 inches (11 cm); 17 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 | 8 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: OR (2), MD (2), MN (2), WI (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TINDALL CORPORATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $14,187 |
| KALMBACH FEEDS, INC. | UPPER SANDUSKY, OH | $12,250 |
| TOP AG COOPERATIVE INC | NEW DOUGLAS, IL | $5,959 |
| R & J GROCERY ENTERPRISES, LLC | WEBSTER, WI | $5,186 |
| 157381 - SUNBRIDGE REGENCY - NORTH CAROLINA, LLC | HIGH POINT, NC | $4,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(d)(2).
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)(13) 10 citations
- 1910.23(d)(13)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(d)(1) 5 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How much space is needed behind a fixed ladder?
A minimum perpendicular distance of 7 inches (18 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs, or grab bars, to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder.
Is the rule different for elevator pits?
Yes. Elevator pit ladders need a minimum of 4.5 inches (11 cm).
Where is the distance measured from?
From the centerline of the steps or rungs, or grab bars, or both.
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.