1926.1052(a): Construction Stairway General Requirements
Employers must build stairways with landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide every 12 feet or less of rise for non-permanent stairs, a slope between 30 and 50 degrees, and uniform risers and treads within 1/4 inch. Door swings may not shrink platforms below 20 inches, metal pans must be secured before filling, hazardous projections must be removed, and slippery conditions eliminated before use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $25,909 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (4), VA (2), NC (2).
- Related part: 1926.1052(a)(1) (2 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1052(a) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 7 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
(a) General. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: 15 citations
(1) Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is being performed shall have landings of not less than 30 inches (76 cm) in the direction of travel and extend at least 22 inches (56 cm) in width at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise. Open (a)(1) 2 citations
(2) Stairs shall be installed between 30° and 50° from horizontal. 2 citations
(3) Riser height and tread depth shall be uniform within each flight of stairs, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs. Variations in riser height or tread depth shall not be over 1⁄4-inch (0.6 cm) in any stairway system. 6 citations
(4) Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width of the platform to less than 20 inches (51 cm). 1 citations
(5) Metal pan landings and metal pan treads, when used, shall be secured in place before filling with concrete or other material.
(6) All parts of stairways shall be free of hazardous projections, such as protruding nails. 3 citations
(7) Slippery conditions on stairways shall be eliminated before the stairways are used to reach other levels. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Export the list: 11 inspections cited 1926.1052(a) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (4), VA (2), NC (2), MD (1), SD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | LEAD, SD | $5,500 |
| JRN CARPENTRY, INC. | WHIPPANY, NJ | $5,107 |
| ODC CONSTRUCTION, LLC | SANFORD, FL | $3,972 |
| GARFIELD PLUMBING & HEATING INC. | MONROE, NY | $2,812 |
| COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SERVICES, INC. | SHERWOOD, AR | $2,765 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(a).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(a)(1) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
At what angle must construction stairs be installed?
Between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal.
How much can riser height vary?
Variations in riser height or tread depth shall not be over 1/4 inch in any stairway system.
When must slippery stairs be fixed?
Slippery conditions must be eliminated before the stairways are used to reach other levels.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1052 (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 2026-11-06
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.