1926.1053(a)(7): No Tying Ladders Together
Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(7) 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 $32,691 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (3), MD (2), UT (1).
- 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)(7) 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
(7) Ladders shall not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(a)(7).
At 1:15 p.m. on September 27, 2024, Employee #1 was assigned to inspect mend plates and nail spacing in the unfinished attic space of a structure. However, he accessed the roof to tack down Tyvek sheeting in an effort to stop water fromdripping into the…
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
Top states: PA (3), MD (2), UT (1), OK (1), RI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BLAKLEY CONSTRUCTION LLC | SULPHUR, OK | $4,839 |
| JRSA CONSTRUCTION LLC | HANOVER TOWNSHIP, PA | $4,300 |
| DAVID SMITH | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $4,000 |
| KB SIDING & ROOFING CONSTRUCTION LLC | VANDALIA, MO | $3,972 |
| 317741350 - GOLDEN COAST REMODELING LLC | EUGENE, OR | $3,531 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(a)(7).
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)(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
Can I tie two ladders together to reach higher?
No, unless they are specifically designed for such use.
Why is this banned?
Ladders not designed to be joined can fail.
Which standard?
1926.1053(a)(7).
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.