1910.23(c)(9): Secure Ladders on Slippery Surfaces
Employers must make sure portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(c)(9) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 33 inspections, with $119,182 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (3), OR (3), MA (2).
- Related part: 1910.23(c) Portable ladders (462 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(c)(9) 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
(9) Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized; 33 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.23(c)(9).
On June 25, 2024, an employee working as a maintenance employee for an automobile parts manufacturer was last seen working on a carrier system near an E-coat pit. The employer implemented a search for the employee, but he was not found. The employer decided to…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: VA (3), OR (3), MA (2), OH (2), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DEKRA NORTH AMERICA | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | $17,001 |
| THE WATKINS AT SHOCKOE | RICHMOND, VA | $11,010 |
| WAGGONER'S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $10,372 |
| KINATRAX | PORT CHARLOTTE, FL | $8,067 |
| COASTAL GREENHOUSES LLC | CALVERTON, NY | $7,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(c)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.23(c)(9).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(c) Portable ladders 462 citations
- 1910.23(c)(11) 198 citations
- 1910.23(c)(3) 68 citations
- 1910.23(c)(8) 61 citations
- 1910.23(c)(7) 42 citations
- 1910.23(c)(4) 38 citations
- 1910.23(c)(7)(i) 21 citations
- 1910.23(c)(2) 7 citations
- 1910.23(c)(7)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(c)(1) 3 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 must be done with a ladder on a slippery surface?
It must be secured and stabilized.
Which ladders does this cover?
Portable ladders.
Is this a general industry rule?
Yes. It is in 1910.23, the general industry ladder rule.
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.