1926.1053(b)(15): Competent Person Ladder Inspections
Employers must have a competent person inspect ladders for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(15) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 139 times in the last 3 years, in 139 inspections, with $171,670 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: HI (23), RI (14), MD (13).
- 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)(15) 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
(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. 139 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(b)(15).
At 12:30 p.m. on August 21, 2024, Employee #1 was working at a jobsite in Fort Mill, South Carolina, tasked with cutting and measuring siding for fellow employees to install on the exterior of a home and garage. After grabbing a 28-foot Werner extension ladder,…
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 | 10 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Top states: HI (23), RI (14), MD (13), OH (10), VA (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LUIS ALBERTO-REYNA AVILA, AKA LUIS REYNA AVILA | SCRANTON, PA | $16,550 |
| MOOREGROUP CORPORATION | MIAMI, FL | $9,268 |
| AMBROSE CONSTRUCTION LTD | FULTON, TX | $8,297 |
| ELECT GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. | COLUMBUS, OH | $6,951 |
| ELITE C CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | MONROEVILLE, NJ | $5,958 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(15), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(b)(15).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(b) Use 10,146 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(1) 6,588 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)(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
Who must inspect ladders in construction?
A competent person.
When must ladders be inspected?
On a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
What is the inspection looking for?
Visible defects.
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.