1910.28(b)(11)(iii): Handrails on Ship Stairs and Alternating Tread Stairs
Employers must equip each ship stairs and alternating tread type stairs with handrails on both sides.
Key takeaways
- 1910.28(b)(11)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $12,391 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (3), WI (2), IL (2).
- Related part: 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards (3,551 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.28(b)(11)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.28 Duty to have fall protection and falling object protection, 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
(iii) Each ship stairs and alternating tread type stairs is equipped with handrails on both sides. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.28.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MN (3), WI (2), IL (2), NY (2), TN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VOLLRATH COMPANY, LLC | SHEBOYGAN, WI | $6,338 |
| FICOSA NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION | COOKEVILLE, TN | $2,800 |
| MEAD LUMBER COMPANY, INC. | QUEENSBURY, NY | $2,128 |
| 108067 - CHATFIELD LUMBER OF EYOTA LLC | VIOLA, MN | $750 |
| 110370 - LASALLE FOOD PROCESSING ASSOCIATION | LA SALLE, MN | $375 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.28(b)(11)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.28(b)(11)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.28(b) Protection from fall hazards 3,551 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1) Unprotected sides and edges 1,938 citations
- 1910.28(b)(1)(i) 1,933 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3) Holes 667 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11) Stairways 407 citations
- 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) 351 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(ii) 288 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(i) 238 citations
- 1910.28(b)(13) Work on low-slope roofs 132 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6) Dangerous equipment 123 citations
- 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) 108 citations
- 1910.28(b)(6)(i) 106 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
Do ship stairs need handrails?
Yes. Each ship stairs must have handrails on both sides.
What about alternating tread stairs?
Alternating tread type stairs must also have handrails on both sides.
Is one handrail enough?
No. The rule requires handrails on both sides.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.28 (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.