1926.1053(a)(1)(ii): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $32,277 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.1053(a) General (99 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, 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) Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders shall sustain at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load. The ability of a ladder to sustain the loads indicated in this paragraph shall be determined by applying or transmitting the requisite load to the ladder in a downward vertical direction when the ladder is placed at an angle of 751⁄2 degrees from the horizontal. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicability of OSHA's ladder standard, 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart X to a particular situation. (2002-07-18)
- Modifying a ladder for loads in excess of manufacturer's rated capacity. (1993-06-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(a) General 99 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1) 27 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(2) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(7) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(8) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(24) 7 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(13) 3 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(19) 3 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(6) 2 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1053 (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.
