1926.1051(a): Stairway or Ladder at Access Points
Employers must provide a stairway or ladder at every worker access point with a step up or down of 19 inches or more, unless a ramp, runway, sloped embankment or personnel hoist is provided. Temporary spiral stairways are not allowed, a double-cleated ladder or two ladders are needed for 25 or more workers or two-way traffic, and access points must be kept clear.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1051(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 477 times in the last 3 years, in 477 inspections, with $1,298,202 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (103), NC (62), MD (51).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1051(a) is one requirement inside 1926.1051 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 4 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
(a) A stairway or ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided. 477 citations
(1) Employees shall not use any spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is being performed. 1 citations
(2) A double-cleated ladder or two or more separate ladders shall be provided when ladders are the only mean of access or exit from a working area for 25 or more employees, or when a ladder is to serve simultaneous two-way traffic.
(3) When a building or structure has only one point of access between levels, that point of access shall be kept clear to permit free passage of employees. When work must be performed or equipment must be used such that free passage at that point of access is restricted, a second point of access shall be provided and used. 6 citations
(4) When a building or structure has two or more points of access between levels, at least one point of access shall be kept clear to permit free passage of employees. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1051.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 184 |
| 2025 | 163 |
| 2026 | 106 |
Top states: TX (103), NC (62), MD (51), IL (48), GA (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PUNTA BORINQUEN PRECAST CORP. | SAN SEBASTIAN, PR | $70,000 |
| NON-STOP BUILDERS, INC | BORDENTOWN, NJ | $64,529 |
| GRABER & SONS CONSTRUCTION, LLC | SAVOY, IL | $41,611 |
| RS FRAMING EXPERTS INC | MERRIMACK, NH | $21,281 |
| TIMBERVIEW BUILDERS LLC | URBANA, IL | $17,023 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1051(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether ladders must be provided for access/egress for employees climbing columns to make initial connections; whether the initial connection referenced in Question #42 of Directive Number CPL 02-01-034 must be by two wrench-tight bolts? (2005-09-19)
- Scaffolding/shoring (2005-04-11)
- OSHA compliance of Terra Flex stair system (models L-400 and A-500). (2001-05-23)
- The use of ladders and fall protection by steel erectors. (1992-07-20)
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Frequently asked questions
What break in elevation requires a stairway or ladder?
19 inches or more, unless a ramp, runway, sloped embankment or personnel hoist is provided.
Can we use a temporary spiral stairway?
No. Employees may not use spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure.
What if there is only one access point between levels?
It must be kept clear, and if work blocks it, a second access point must be provided and used.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1051 (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.