1926.1053(b)(3): Do Not Overload Ladders
Employers must make sure ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load they were built for, and not beyond the manufacturer's rated capacity. Check the ladder's rating before anyone climbs.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $33,726 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (3), MN (3), VA (2).
- 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)(3) 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
(3) Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: IL (3), MN (3), VA (2), RI (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JOSE ANDREW MENDOZA | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $4,965 |
| PARAMO CONSTRUCTION INC | NEWTON, NH | $3,972 |
| MILWAUKEE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INC. | MILWAUKEE, WI | $3,939 |
| L&M BUILDERS LLC | HAMPTON, VA | $3,318 |
| 111720 - GOLDEN STAR ROOFING LLC | FARIBAULT, MN | $2,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(3), 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)
- Whether OSHA requirements prohibit working from a portable stepladder and, if not, whether fall protection is required. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b). (2007-11-28)
- OSHA Guidance concerning use of clip on products for ladders to facilitate transport of the ladder or other objects. (2002-04-26)
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
Can a ladder hold more than its rated capacity?
No. A ladder must not be loaded beyond the manufacturer's rated capacity or the maximum intended load it was built for.
Where do I find a ladder's capacity?
The manufacturer's rated capacity is the limit to follow; check the ladder's markings or the manufacturer's information.
Which limit applies, intended load or rated capacity?
Both. The ladder must not go beyond either one.
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.