1926.1052(c)(1)(ii): Stairrails on Unprotected Sides
Employers must provide one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge of a stairway covered by this paragraph. When the top of a stairrail also serves as a handrail, the handrail requirements in paragraph (c)(7) also apply.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 249 times in the last 3 years, in 249 inspections, with $523,733 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (36), MD (22), TX (17).
- Related part: 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails (877 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii) is one requirement inside 1926.1052 Stairways, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). 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
(ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. 249 citations
When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c)(7) of this section applies.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1052.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii).
At 12:45 a.m. on November 13, 2024, Employee #1 and a coworker were installing subflooring on the second level of a residential home above the garage, approximately 12 feet from the ground. Employee #1 was gluing and screwing the subfloor down to the trusses while…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 94 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 54 |
Top states: TN (36), MD (22), TX (17), GA (17), NC (17)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NORTH SHORE FRAMING INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $25,353 |
| NANA'S CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PAGO PAGO, AS | $16,592 |
| BLUE COST CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BOCA RATON, FL | $12,768 |
| NORTHEAST FRAMING, INC | BOSTON, MA | $12,031 |
| NANA'S CONSTRUCTION, INC. | PAGO PAGO, AS | $10,646 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(c)(1)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1052(c) Stairrails and handrails 877 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1) 752 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) 333 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(12) 73 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(4) 35 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(5) 4 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(6) 4 citations
- 1926.1052(c)(7) 4 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
How many stairrails are needed on an open side of a stairway?
One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
Can a stairrail also be the handrail?
Yes, and when it does, paragraph (c)(7) applies.
Does a stairway open on both sides need two stairrails?
Yes. The rule requires one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
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 2026-10-20
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.