1926.1053(a)(1): Ladder Load Capacity
Employers must make sure construction ladders can support their loads without failure: self-supporting and non-self-supporting portable ladders at least four times the maximum intended load, or at least 3.3 times for extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders. Fixed ladders must hold at least two loads of 250 pounds each between any two consecutive attachments plus expected loads from use, ice, wind, rigging and safety devices, with each rung holding at least 250 pounds.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $73,599 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (12), AL (3), FL (3).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 3 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
(1) Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure: 27 citations
(i) Each self-supporting portable ladder: At least four times the maximum intended load, except that each extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladder 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. Ladders built and tested in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A of this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement. Open (a)(1)(i) 6 citations
(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. Open (a)(1)(ii) 8 citations
(iii) Each fixed ladder: At least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, concentrated between any two consecutive attachments (the number and position of additional concentrated loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each, determined from anticipated usage of the ladder, shall also be included), plus anticipated loads caused by ice buildup, winds, rigging, and impact loads resulting from the use of ladder safety devices. Each step or rung shall be capable of supporting a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds (114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or rung. Ladders built in conformance with the applicable provisions of appendix A will be deemed to meet this requirement. Open (a)(1)(iii) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(a)(1).
At 10:00 a.m. on May 18, 2024, three employees and the business owner were working to remove a cone silo from 28466 US Highway 14, Lone Rock, WI, with plans to relocate it to a different site. One of the employees was working on a…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TN (12), AL (3), FL (3), IL (2), VA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALVAREZ WELDING AND MILLWRIGHT, INC. | LONE ROCK, WI | $13,711 |
| HART ENGINEERING CORPORATION | PAWTUCKET, RI | $13,024 |
| MCP CONSTRUCTION, LLC | OPELIKA, AL | $6,242 |
| KAHNCO, LLC | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $4,325 |
| VRL CONSTRUCTION LLC | GATLINBURG, TN | $3,050 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(1), 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)(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)(1)(ii) 8 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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Frequently asked questions
How much must a portable ladder hold?
At least four times the maximum intended load, except extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders, which must sustain at least 3.3 times.
What must a fixed ladder support?
At least two loads of 250 pounds each between any two consecutive attachments, plus additional loads from anticipated use, ice, wind, rigging and ladder safety devices.
How strong must each rung be?
Each step or rung must support a single concentrated load of at least 250 pounds applied in the middle.
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.