1926.1052(c)(4): Stairrail Midrails and Infill
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members or equivalent members must be provided between the top rail of a stairrail system and the stairway steps. Midrails go midway between the top edge and the steps, screens or mesh must fill from top rail to step along the whole opening, balusters must be not more than 19 inches apart, and other members must leave no openings more than 19 inches wide.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 35 times in the last 3 years, in 35 inspections, with $27,973 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (15), AZ (4), WV (3).
- 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)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, 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
(4) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members, shall be provided between the top rail of the stairrail system and the stairway steps. 35 citations
(i) Midrails, when used, shall be located at a height midway between the top edge of the stairrail system and the stairway steps.
(ii) Screens or mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the stairway step, and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
(iii) When intermediate vertical members, such as balusters, are used between posts, they shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
(iv) Other structural members, when used, shall be installed such that there are no openings in the stairrail system that are more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: TN (15), AZ (4), WV (3), UT (2), NM (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WHITE SANDS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | MESCALERO, NM | $10,000 |
| GENERAL HYDRONICS CONCRETE, LLC | MESCALERO, NM | $6,000 |
| 3T GC LLC | FLUSHING, NY | $3,687 |
| MARGARITO OCANA | GALVESTON, TX | $2,765 |
| T&V CONSTRUCTION, LLC | ORLANDO, FL | $2,765 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(c)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails 877 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1) 752 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) 333 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii) 249 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(12) 73 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
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must be between the stairrail and the steps?
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members.
How far apart can balusters be?
Not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
Where does a midrail go?
At a height midway between the top edge of the stairrail system and the stairway steps.
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.