1926.1053(a)(1)(iii): Strength of Fixed Ladders
Each fixed ladder must support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each between any two consecutive attachments, plus more 250-pound loads based on expected use and loads from ice, wind, rigging and ladder safety device impact. Each step or rung must support a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $13,711 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1053(a) General (99 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, 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
(iii) Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included), plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the use of ladder safety devices. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung. Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii).
At 10:00 a.m. on May 18, 2024, three employees and the business owner were working to remove a cone silo from 28466 US Highway 14, Lone Rock, WI, with plans to relocate it to a different site. One of the employees was working on a…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(a) General 99 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1) 27 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(2) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(7) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(8) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) 8 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(24) 7 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(13) 3 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(19) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What load must a fixed ladder support?
At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments, plus additional loads from anticipated usage, ice buildup, winds, rigging and impact loads.
How strong must each rung be?
Each step or rung must support a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle.
Is there a way to show compliance?
Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A are deemed to meet this requirement.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1053 (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.