1910.25(c)(3): Minimum Stair Tread Depth
Standard stairs must have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm).
Key takeaways
- 1910.25(c)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 21 times in the last 3 years, in 21 inspections, with $43,726 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (4), IA (2), MN (2).
- Related part: 1910.25(c) Standard stairs (77 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.25(c)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.25 Stairways, 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
(3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and 21 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.25.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.25(c)(3).
At 3:45 a.m. on December 5, 2023, three employees were operating a resaw stacker. Coworker #1 was operating the infeed side, while Coworker #2 trained Employee #1 on operating the stacker side. The resaw stacker takes pre-cut boards and rips them down to smaller sizes…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: NJ (4), IA (2), MN (2), PR (2), MD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NEW HORIZONS BAKING COMPANY | COLUMBUS, OH | $16,550 |
| WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT | SEWELL, NJ | $4,900 |
| BOROUGH OF BELLMAWR SEWER DEPARTMENT | BELLMAWR, NJ | $4,900 |
| CITY OF PLEASANTVILLE DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS | PLEASANTVILLE, NJ | $4,900 |
| BOROUGH OF RUNNEMEDE DPW | RUNNEMEDE, NJ | $4,900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.25(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Stair Angle and Tread Depth Requirements (2025-06-17)
- Definition of Confined Space, as it may apply to large product heating and aging furnaces (2019-05-20)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.25(c) Standard stairs 77 citations
- 1910.25(c)(2) 33 citations
- 1910.25(c)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.25(c)(1) 3 citations
- 1910.25(c)(5) Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section 1 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
What is the minimum tread depth for standard stairs?
9.5 inches (24 cm).
Which stairs does this apply to?
Standard stairs under 1910.25.
Is 9 inches acceptable?
No. The minimum is 9.5 inches.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.25 (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.