1926.1052(c)(1): Stair Handrails and Stairrails
Employers must equip construction stairways that have four or more risers, or rise more than 30 inches, whichever is less, with at least one handrail and a stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. If the top of a stairrail also serves as the handrail, the handrail rules apply to it.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 752 times in the last 3 years, in 705 inspections, with $1,443,432 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (65), TN (61), OR (48).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 2 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
(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: 752 citations
(i) At least one handrail; and Open (c)(1)(i) 333 citations
(ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. Open (c)(1)(ii) 249 citations
When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c)(7) of this section applies.
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).
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 | 46 |
| 2024 | 289 |
| 2025 | 243 |
| 2026 | 174 |
Top states: MD (65), TN (61), OR (48), NY (47), TX (42)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NORTH SHORE FRAMING INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $25,353 |
| NANA'S CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PAGO PAGO, AS | $16,592 |
| GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | MANVEL, TX | $13,066 |
| BLUE COST CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BOCA RATON, FL | $12,768 |
| NORTHEAST FRAMING, INC | BOSTON, MA | $12,031 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(1), 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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails 877 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) 333 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
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Frequently asked questions
When does a construction stairway need a handrail?
When it has four or more risers or rises more than 30 inches, whichever is less.
How many handrails are required?
At least one handrail, plus a stairrail system on each unprotected side or edge.
Can a stairrail also be the handrail?
Yes, but then the handrail rules in paragraph (c)(7) apply to it.
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.