1926.1053(a)(8): Stepladder Spreaders
Each stepladder must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections open while the ladder is used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $16,611 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (5), OR (2), ND (1).
- 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)(8) 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
(8) A metal spreader or locking device shall be provided on each stepladder to hold the front and back sections in an open position when the ladder is being used. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: VA (5), OR (2), ND (1), NE (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEMUS GLASS, LLC. | KANSAS CITY, MO | $4,839 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | LYNCHBURG, VA | $3,525 |
| GMS CONSTRUCTION LLC | OMAHA, NE | $3,310 |
| ORLANDO RAMIREZ | CARTERSVILLE, GA | $2,837 |
| RB DEMOLITION LLC | FILLMORE, UT | $1,050 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(a)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(a)(8).
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)(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
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
What must every stepladder have?
A metal spreader or locking device to hold the front and back sections open.
When must the spreader be used?
When the ladder is being used.
Which rule is this?
29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(8).
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.