1910.23(b)(2): Ladder Rung and Step Spacing
Employers must make sure ladder rungs, steps and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart, measured between centerlines. In elevator shafts the spacing must be not less than 6 inches and not more than 16.5 inches, measured along the side rails, and on telecommunication towers fixed ladder rungs and steps must be not more than 18 inches apart.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(b)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $35,005 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (2), MN (1), OR (1).
- Related part: 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders (683 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that: 10 citations
(i) Ladder rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be spaced not less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart and not more than 16.5 inches (42 cm) apart, as measured along the ladder side rails; and
(ii) Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps;
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TN (2), MN (1), OR (1), NJ (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS, INC. | BURLESON, TX | $14,187 |
| 317736289 - CASCADE LIVING GROUP MANAGEMENT LLC | EUGENE, OR | $6,916 |
| WHEELER BROTHERS GRAIN COMPANY, L.L.C. | ALVA, OK | $5,852 |
| AMMO INTERNATIONAL, INC. | BRIDGETON, NJ | $5,600 |
| STEVE WARD & ASSOCIATES INC | NASHVILLE, TN | $1,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(b) General requirements for all ladders 683 citations
- 1910.23(b)(10) 281 citations
- 1910.23(b)(9) 162 citations
- 1910.23(b)(8) 150 citations
- 1910.23(b)(13) 37 citations
- 1910.23(b)(1) 13 citations
- 1910.23(b)(12) 10 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 far apart should ladder rungs be?
Not less than 10 inches and not more than 14 inches apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats or steps.
Is spacing different in elevator shafts?
Yes. Rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be not less than 6 inches and not more than 16.5 inches apart, measured along the side rails.
What about telecommunication towers?
Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be not more than 18 inches apart, measured between centerlines.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.23 (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.