1926.1053(b)(7): Ladders on Slippery Surfaces
Ladders must not be used on slippery surfaces unless they are secured or have slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet do not replace care in placing, lashing or holding a ladder on surfaces like flat metal or concrete that cannot be kept from becoming slippery.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(7) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 46 inspections, with $122,746 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (7), NJ (5), WI (5).
- 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)(7) 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
(7) Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery. 46 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 | 21 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: MA (7), NJ (5), WI (5), NY (4), VA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ADVANCED ROOFING, INC. | NEW PORT RICHEY, FL | $13,240 |
| CASA HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS LLC | MCALLEN, TX | $9,034 |
| CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS, INC. | ATHENS, TX | $8,937 |
| T&K ROOFING AND SHEET METAL COMPANY INC. | ELY, IA | $7,448 |
| BRICK TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | BRICK, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(7), 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)
- The meaning of standards can only be modified through the rulemaking process, not through a letter of interpretation. (2004-06-02)
- The upper rails and end caps of self-supporting ladders are not required to be slip-resistant. (2004-05-03)
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 be used on a slippery floor?
Only if it is secured or has slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement.
Are slip-resistant feet enough on their own?
No. They are not a substitute for care in placing, lashing or holding the ladder.
Which surfaces does the rule mention?
Flat metal or concrete surfaces built so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery.
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.