1926.1052(c)(1)(i): At Least One Handrail on Stairways
Construction stairways covered by 1926.1052(c)(1) must be equipped with at least one handrail.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 333 times in the last 3 years, in 333 inspections, with $541,017 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (40), IN (38), OR (28).
- Related part: 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails (877 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). 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
(i) At least one handrail; and 333 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1052(c)(1)(i).
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 | 14 |
| 2024 | 143 |
| 2025 | 112 |
| 2026 | 64 |
Top states: MD (40), IN (38), OR (28), TN (25), NY (23)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | MANVEL, TX | $13,066 |
| JBE CARPENTERS INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,916 |
| ETECH TECHNOLOGIES LLC | MANVEL, TX | $9,680 |
| HAMPTON ROADS CONNECTOR PARTNERS | NORFOLK, VA | $8,685 |
| MARTIN ARAUJO DBA ARAUJO CONSTRUCTION CORP., | CHICAGO, IL | $8,513 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(c)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails 877 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1) 752 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii) 249 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(12) 73 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(4) 35 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(5) 4 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(6) 4 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(7) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How many handrails are required?
At least one handrail.
Is this a construction rule?
Yes. It is part of 1926.1052, the construction stairways standard.
Is a handrail optional on these stairways?
No. The stairways covered must be equipped with at least one handrail.
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 2026-10-20
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.