1910.25(c)(2): Maximum Stair Riser Height
Employers must make sure standard stairs have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches.
Key takeaways
- 1910.25(c)(2) 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 $43,564 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (6), MA (4), MD (4).
- Related part: 1910.25(c) Standard stairs (77 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.25(c)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.25 Stairways, 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
(2) Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); 33 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.25.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: WI (6), MA (4), MD (4), TN (2), IL (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GABRIEL CARE, INC. | FALL RIVER, MA | $16,550 |
| DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID, LLC | ROCKFORD, IL | $6,500 |
| LAB 9 MODULAR LLC | LITTLETON, MA | $4,839 |
| PALLET SERVICE CORPORATION | MARSHFIELD, WI | $4,476 |
| SALEM CITY STREETS DEPARTMENT | SALEM, NJ | $2,800 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.25(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Stair Angle and Tread Depth Requirements (2025-06-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.25(c) Standard stairs 77 citations
- 1910.25(c)(3) 21 citations
- 1910.25(c)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.25(c)(1) 3 citations
- 1910.25(c)(5) Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section 1 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 is the maximum riser height for standard stairs?
9.5 inches (24 cm).
Is this a general industry rule?
Yes. It is in 1910.25, the general industry stairways rule.
What is a riser?
The vertical height of each step.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.25 (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.