1926.1053(b)(21): Hold the Ladder While Climbing
Each employee must use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when going up or down it.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(21) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 41 times in the last 3 years, in 41 inspections, with $81,612 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (5), FL (4), TX (4).
- 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)(21) 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
(21) Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. 41 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 | 13 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: NJ (5), FL (4), TX (4), MD (4), NY (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $16,550 |
| CPX2025XVM508X0055 - SUNVEK HOLDINGS LLC DBA SUNVEK | PHOENIX, AZ | $8,276 |
| P&M CUSTOM PAINTING INC | PALM BEACH, FL | $5,647 |
| CARUTH PROTECTION SERVICES, LLC | ROCKWALL, TX | $5,108 |
| 4 BROTHERS HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC | GARFIELD, NJ | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(21), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(b)(21).
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
How many hands must be on the ladder?
At least one hand must grasp the ladder when going up or down.
Can I carry materials in both hands while climbing?
No. At least one hand must grasp the ladder.
Does this apply going down too?
Yes. It applies when progressing up and down.
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.