1926.1052(c)(12): Guardrails on Stairway Landings
Employers must provide guardrail systems on unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings. Guardrail system criteria are contained in subpart M.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1052(c)(12) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 73 times in the last 3 years, in 73 inspections, with $122,053 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (8), NC (6), HI (6).
- 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)(12) 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
(12) Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings shall be provided with guardrail systems. Guardrail system criteria are contained in subpart M of this part. 73 citations
[55 FR 47687, Nov. 14, 1990; 56 FR 2585, Jan. 23, 1991; 56 FR 5061, Feb. 7, 1991; 56 FR 41794, Aug. 23, 1991]
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)(12).
At 9:00 a.m. on January 18, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a residential building contractor and was standing on a stairway positioning a concrete hose. Employee #1 fell approximately 16 feet from the unguarded landing to the ground.Employee #1 died from multiple injuries sustained…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: TX (8), NC (6), HI (6), IN (6), TN (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BROWNSTONE CONSTRUCTION, LTD. | KYLE, TX | $14,063 |
| JOHN BULL BUILDERS LLC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $10,141 |
| DO-CRETE CONSTRUCTION, LLC | LEANDER, TX | $10,000 |
| CORE FRAMING, LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $9,376 |
| BRENT LAWRENZ | WICHITA, KS | $8,067 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1052(c)(12), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1052(c)(12).
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)(1)(ii) 249 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
Do stairway landings need guardrails?
Yes. Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must have guardrail systems.
Where are the guardrail criteria?
In subpart M of part 1926.
Does this apply to construction stairways?
Yes. It is part of 1926.1052, the construction stairways rule.
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.