1910.23(d)(4): Ladder Side Rail Extension at Landings
Employers must make sure the side rails of through or side-step ladders extend at least 42 inches above the top of the access level or landing platform the ladder serves. For parapet ladders, the access level is the roof if the parapet is cut for passage, or the top of the parapet if it is continuous.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(d)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $57,948 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MA (6), NY (3), MN (3).
- 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)(4) 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
(4) The side rails of through or side-step ladders extend at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For parapet ladders, the access level is: 28 citations
(i) The roof, if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; or
(ii) The top of the parapet, if the parapet is continuous;
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(d)(4).
At 8:50 a.m. on January 24, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer for a concrete supplier attempted to remove a blockage in a material storage bin. The aggregate that was filling the hopper became clogged. The employee attempted to clear the blockage…
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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: MA (6), NY (3), MN (3), MI (3), NJ (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TINDALL CORPORATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $14,187 |
| FITNESS MEMBER SERVICES, LLC | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $9,457 |
| J.E. MEURET GRAIN CO. INC | BRUNSWICK, NE | $8,480 |
| COUNTY OF UNION BOARD OF ELECTIONS | ELIZABETH, NJ | $7,000 |
| DEMPSEY UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLY | SUNBURY, PA | $4,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(d)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(d)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders 114 citations
- 1910.23(d)(7) 37 citations
- 1910.23(d)(2) 17 citations
- 1910.23(d)(13) 10 citations
- 1910.23(d)(13)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(d)(1) 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How far must side rails extend above the landing?
At least 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform.
What is the access level for a parapet ladder?
The roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage, or the top of the parapet if the parapet is continuous.
What types of ladders does this cover?
Through ladders and side-step ladders.
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.