1910.23(d)(7): Fixed Ladder Grab Bars
Grab bars on fixed ladders must extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(d)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 37 times in the last 3 years, in 37 inspections, with $136,628 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (12), NY (5), WI (4).
- 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)(7) 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
(7) Grab bars extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder; 37 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 | 13 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NJ (12), NY (5), WI (4), OR (3), MD (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FRAZER & JONES, LLC | SYRACUSE, NY | $15,969 |
| CPX2025XTN246X0046 - TAKE 5 PROPERTIES SPV LLC DBA TAKE 5 OIL CHANGE #30885 | LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ | $9,457 |
| FLANDERS PROVISION COMPANY, LLC | HASTINGS, NE | $8,711 |
| HACKETTSTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT | HACKETTSTOWN, NJ | $7,000 |
| HACKETTSTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS | HACKETTSTOWN, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(d)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(d)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(d) Fixed ladders 114 citations
- 1910.23(d)(4) 28 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
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How high must fixed ladder grab bars extend?
42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder.
Where is this rule?
1910.23(d)(7), part of the fixed ladder requirements.
Is the 42 inches measured from the ground?
No. It is measured above the access level or landing platforms served by 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 2026-10-21
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.