1910.23(b)(8): Use Ladders Only as Designed
Ladders must be used only for the purposes for which they were designed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(b)(8) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 150 times in the last 3 years, in 150 inspections, with $512,619 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (22), TX (14), NY (13).
- 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)(8) is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). 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
(8) Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed; 150 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(b)(8).
At 9:00 a.m. on September 19, 2024, Employee #1 was assisting in the movement ofmulch from the Express Blower truck to the retention pond behind residential houses. The employee was sent to the truck by the crew leader to investigate whythe mulch was not coming…
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 52 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Top states: MI (22), TX (14), NY (13), MA (10), WI (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WESTLAKE NATRIUM LLC | PROCTOR, WV | $16,550 |
| NOV FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS L.P. | HOUSTON, TX | $16,550 |
| ANGSTROM FIBER ENGLEWOOD LLC | CLAYTON, OH | $16,131 |
| FINCANTIERI MARINE GROUP, LLC | STURGEON BAY, WI | $16,131 |
| ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC. | COLUMBUS, OH | $15,211 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(b)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(b)(8).
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)(13) 37 citations
- 1910.23(b)(1) 13 citations
- 1910.23(b)(12) 10 citations
- 1910.23(b)(2) 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
Can a ladder be used as a plank or brace?
No. Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed.
Who must make sure this happens?
The employer, under 1910.23.
How do I know a ladder's purpose?
Use it only for the purpose it was designed for, and ask your supervisor if you are unsure.
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.