1910.23(e)(1): Mobile Ladder Stand Requirements
Employers must ensure mobile ladder stands and platforms have steps at least 16 inches wide, slip-resistant steps, and can hold at least four times their maximum intended load. Units with a top step 4 feet or above need handrails 29.5 to 37 inches high, height limits and stabilizers apply, wheels must be kept from moving, and no unit may move with a worker on it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.23(e)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 45 times in the last 3 years, in 41 inspections, with $90,431 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (10), MN (5), IL (4).
- Related part: 1910.23(e) Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms (54 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.23(e)(1) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.23 Ladders, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart D). It includes 8 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
(1) General requirements. The employer must ensure: 45 citations
(i) Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm); Open (e)(1)(i)
(ii) The steps and platforms of mobile ladder stands and platforms are slip resistant. Slip-resistant surfaces must be either an integral part of the design and construction of the mobile ladder stand and platform, or provided as a secondary process or operation, such as dimpling, knurling, shotblasting, coating, spraying, or applying durable slip-resistant tapes; 5 citations
(iii) Mobile ladder stands and platforms are capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended load; 1 citations
(iv) Wheels or casters under load are capable of supporting their proportional share of four times the maximum intended load, plus their proportional share of the unit's weight; 2 citations
(v) Unless otherwise specified in this section, mobile ladder stands and platforms with a top step height of 4 feet (1.2 m) or above have handrails with a vertical height of 29.5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special-use applications; 7 citations
(vi) The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize the mobile ladder stands and platforms and prevent overturning must be used;
(vii) Mobile ladder stands and platforms that have wheels or casters are equipped with a system to impede horizontal movement when an employee is on the stand or platform; and Open (e)(1)(vii) 19 citations
(viii) No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it. Open (e)(1)(viii) 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.23.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: MI (10), MN (5), IL (4), OH (4), IA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CPX2024XAD245X0025 - GP PORTABLE BUILDINGS LLC (FN) | WINSLOW, AZ | $12,500 |
| FRICK'S QUALITY MEATS, INC. | WASHINGTON, MO | $10,050 |
| RICH TRANSPORT, LLC | NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR | $6,914 |
| WALMART #1723 | DES MOINES, IA | $6,697 |
| WALMART SUPERCENTER #3630 | MARION, IA | $6,027 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.23(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements of Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms Used to Access CNC Machines (2024-06-06)
- Clarification of OSHA requirements pertaining to winding stairway systems. (2010-06-15)
- Acceptability of slip on fittings on stair rails and requirement for stair rails to be smooth surfaced. (2005-11-14)
- Conditions under which a stair railing can also serve as a handrail. (2005-09-14)
- Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. (2004-10-28)
- Whether additional handrails are required on the grated walkways provided on one side of the 13 belt conveyors. (1990-09-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.23(e) Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms 54 citations
- 1910.23(e)(1)(vii) 19 citations
- 1910.23(e)(1)(viii) 10 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3) Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms 6 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3)(ii) 6 citations
- 1910.23(e)(2) Design requirements for mobile ladder stands 3 citations
- 1910.23(e)(2)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.23(e)(3)(iv)
- 1910.23(e)(3)(iii)
- 1910.23(e)(1)(i)
- 1910.23(e)(3)(i)
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Frequently asked questions
How strong must a mobile ladder stand be?
It must support at least four times its maximum intended load.
When are handrails needed?
On units with a top step height of 4 feet or above, with handrails 29.5 to 37 inches high, unless otherwise specified.
Can a mobile ladder stand move with someone on it?
No. It must have a system to impede horizontal movement and must not move when an employee is on it.
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 2026-10-21
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.