1926.1053(b)(17): Removing Defective Fixed Ladders from Service
Employers must withdraw fixed ladders with structural defects, such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, from service until repaired. This is satisfied by immediately tagging the ladder "Do Not Use" or similar, marking it so it is readily identified as defective, or blocking it, such as with plywood spanning several rungs.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(17) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $18,878 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (2), UT (1), PA (1).
- 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)(17) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(17) Fixed ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components, shall be withdrawn from service until repaired. The requirement to withdraw a defective ladder from service is satisfied if the ladder is either: 12 citations
(i) Immediately tagged with “Do Not Use” or similar language, 2 citations
(ii) Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective;
(iii) Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs).
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NC (2), UT (1), PA (1), OR (1), CA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHWEST UTILITY SYSTEMS INC. | CAPE CORAL, FL | $6,453 |
| CARLTON STRUCTURAL SERVICES CORP. | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ | $4,256 |
| KARCHER ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. | MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CA | $2,784 |
| STEPHEN F. PETERS INCORPORATED | NEW BERLIN, PA | $2,765 |
| THE HASKELL COMPANY | SALT LAKE CITY, UT | $1,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(17), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(b)(17).
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)(15) 139 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(9) 116 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(10) 58 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 defects take a fixed ladder out of service?
Structural defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components.
How do I take a fixed ladder out of service?
Immediately tag it "Do Not Use" or similar, mark it so it is clearly defective, or block it, such as with plywood across several rungs.
How long does it stay out of service?
Until it is repaired.
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.