1926.1053(b)(9): Keep Ladder Top and Bottom Clear
The area around the top and bottom of ladders must be kept clear.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(9) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 116 times in the last 3 years, in 116 inspections, with $199,653 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (14), VA (12), FL (12).
- 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)(9) 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
(9) The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. 116 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(9).
At 2:00 p.m. on February 29, 2024, an employee working for a framing contractor was climbing a ladder with a piece of plywood to attach to the exterior a residence that was being renovated. The ladder the employee was climbing fell tothe ground approximately 20…
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 | 7 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 36 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Top states: WI (14), VA (12), FL (12), MD (11), MA (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DAVILAS CONSTRUCTION LLC | PORTAGE, WI | $30,422 |
| CAMP ROOFING, LTD | SUNRISE, FL | $8,683 |
| LUIS ALBERTO-REYNA AVILA, AKA LUIS REYNA AVILA | SCRANTON, PA | $7,802 |
| ALLIANCE FRAMING, INC. | MILTON, MA | $7,098 |
| RAY BUILDERS INC. | CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY | $6,621 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(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
What does 1926.1053(b)(9) require?
The area around the top and bottom of ladders must be kept clear.
Does this cover both ends?
Yes. Both the top and bottom of the ladder.
Why keep the area clear?
So nothing in the way creates a hazard getting on or off the ladder.
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.