1926.1053(b)(4): Use Ladders Only as Designed
Employers must make sure ladders are used only for the purpose they were designed for. A ladder should not be used as a platform, plank, brace or other makeshift tool. The manufacturer's labels and instructions show what each ladder is meant to do and how it should be set up.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 910 times in the last 3 years, in 909 inspections, with $1,972,929 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (74), FL (71), NC (66).
- 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)(4) 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
(4) Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. 910 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(4).
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 | 54 |
| 2024 | 318 |
| 2025 | 334 |
| 2026 | 204 |
Top states: MD (74), FL (71), NC (66), IL (64), TX (60)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SIC SERVICES LLC | RUSKIN, FL | $39,723 |
| POLLARD CONSTRUCTION | JUNEAU, AK | $36,413 |
| AMERICAN WAY G & R CONSTRUCTION INC. | CRANSTON, RI | $25,538 |
| 106328 - MESCHKE CONSTRUCTION INC | ANDOVER, MN | $25,000 |
| 106329 - EL ZACHE CONSTRUCTION LLC | ANDOVER, MN | $25,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Using a stepladder as a non-self-supporting ladder. (2010-01-21)
- 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)
- Maintenance vs. construction; working from fixed ladders. (1999-05-11)
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)(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
Can a ladder be laid flat and used as a plank?
No. Ladders must be used only for the purpose they were designed for.
Can a stepladder be used folded and leaned against a wall?
No. Using a ladder in a way it was not designed for violates this rule.
Where can I find a ladder's intended use?
On the manufacturer's labels and instructions.
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.