1926.1053(b)(1): Ladder must extend 3 feet above the landing
When a portable ladder is used to reach an upper level, its side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the landing. If the ladder is too short for that, the top must be secured to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grab rail or similar handhold must be provided for getting on and off. The extension must never be so long that the ladder could flex and slip off its support under load.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 6,588 times in the last 3 years, in 6,586 inspections, with $22,116,698 in current penalties.
- 12 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (584), TX (545), IL (504).
- Related part: 1926.1053(b) Use (10,146 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1) 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
(1) When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support. 6,588 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
12 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(1).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
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 | 475 |
| 2024 | 2,437 |
| 2025 | 2,383 |
| 2026 | 1,293 |
Top states: MD (584), TX (545), IL (504), FL (494), OH (444)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | WAYNESBORO, VA | $130,000 |
| COLOSSUS CONTRACTING GROUP LLC | WESLEY CHAPEL, FL | $91,033 |
| MIGUEL A. ESQUINA REYES DBA CORNER CONSTRUCTION | GLENCOE, IL | $88,721 |
| COLOSSUS CONTRACTING GROUP LLC | PORT CHARLOTTE, FL | $70,933 |
| ABEL CUNYAS CABRERA | MANDAN, ND | $65,027 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The use of cable hook assemblies, pole grip assemblies, or adjustable levelers on fiberglass extension ladders used in construction. (2009-03-16)
- Rail extensions for a portable ladder;step-through ladder device. (2005-12-22)
- Applicability of scaffold fall protection to guardrails near ladder access areas on scaffolds; toeboards across ladder access areas. (2005-06-20)
- Portable ladders not extending 3 feet above upper landing must be secured. (2004-02-26)
- General requirements of ladders (1975-05-12)
- Ladders extending more than 36 inches above the landing do not need to have the rungs above the landing removed so as to facilitate employees stepping between the side rails. (1975-04-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(b) Use 10,146 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(13) 947 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(4) 910 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(16) 382 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(22) 258 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(6) 244 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5) 223 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) 220 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(15) 139 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(9) 116 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(10) 58 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(8) 56 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 if my ladder can't extend 3 feet above the landing?
Secure the top of the ladder to a rigid support that will not deflect, and provide a grasping device, such as a grab rail, to help workers get on and off.
Does the 3-foot rule apply to stepladders?
It applies when a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing surface. A stepladder is not designed for that use.
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.