1926.1053(a)(2): Even Ladder Rungs on Construction Sites
On construction ladders, rungs, cleats and steps must be parallel, level and evenly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $46,826 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (2), GA (2), PA (2).
- 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)(2) 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
(2) Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps shall be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: VA (2), GA (2), PA (2), IN (1), VI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| URUS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,585 |
| MOOREGROUP CORPORATION | MIAMI, FL | $9,268 |
| GB BROTHERS LLC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $5,000 |
| SAN JOSE CHAN HAU | MARGARET, AL | $4,682 |
| JBE CARPENTERS INC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $4,171 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Using a stepladder as a non-self-supporting ladder. (2010-01-21)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(a) General 99 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1) 27 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
- 1926.1053(a)(6) 2 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 does 1926.1053(a)(2) require?
Ladder rungs, cleats and steps shall be parallel, level and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use.
When is this checked?
When the ladder is in position for use.
What if a rung is bent?
A ladder that does not meet this requirement should not be used.
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.