1926.1052(b): Temporary Stair Treads
Except during stairway construction, employers must not allow foot traffic on pan stairs to be filled later unless they are temporarily filled with wood or other solid material to the top of each pan, or on skeleton metal stairs unless secured temporary treads and landings cover the entire area. Temporary treads must be solid and cover the full width and depth.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 58 times in the last 3 years, in 52 inspections, with $91,932 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (25), NJ (8), IN (6).
- Related part: 1926.1052(b)(3) (31 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1052(b) ("Temporary service") is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 3 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
(b) Temporary service. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: 58 citations
(1) Except during stairway construction, foot traffic is prohibited on stairways with pan stairs where the treads and/or landings are to be filled in with concrete or other material at a later date, unless the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at least to the top edge of each pan. Such temporary treads and landings shall be replaced when worn below the level of the top edge of the pan. Open (b)(1) 22 citations
(2) Except during stairway construction, foot traffic is prohibited on skeleton metal stairs where permanent treads and/or landings are to be installed at a later date, unless the stairs are fitted with secured temporary treads and landings long enough to cover the entire tread and/or landing area. 5 citations
(3) Treads for temporary service shall be made of wood or other solid material, and shall be installed the full width and depth of the stair. Open (b)(3) 31 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Export the list: 52 inspections cited 1926.1052(b) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1052(b).
At 12:45 a.m. on November 13, 2024, Employee #1 and a coworker were installing subflooring on the second level of a residential home above the garage, approximately 12 feet from the ground. Employee #1 was gluing and screwing the subfloor down to the trusses while…
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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: TN (25), NJ (8), IN (6), MN (4), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EMBREY BUILDERS LLC | DENVER, CO | $10,000 |
| EMBREY BUILDERS LLC | DENVER, CO | $9,000 |
| MR. CONCRETE CORP. | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $7,646 |
| PROBUILD, LLC | MARION, IA | $4,688 |
| THE PHOENIX ON MAIN URBAN RENEWAL LLC | HACKENSACK, NJ | $4,148 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(b)(3) 31 citations
- 1926.1052(b)(1) 22 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can workers walk on unfilled pan stairs?
Not unless the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at least to the top edge of each pan, except during stairway construction.
What about skeleton metal stairs?
Foot traffic is prohibited unless secured temporary treads and landings cover the entire tread and landing area.
When must temporary pan treads be replaced?
When worn below the level of the top edge of the pan.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1052 (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 2026-11-06
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.