1926.1053(b)(13): Do Not Step on the Top of a Stepladder
Employers must make sure workers do not use the top or top step of a stepladder as a step. If the work cannot be reached safely, use a taller ladder or different equipment. Workers must stay on the steps below the top so they keep their balance and the ladder stays stable.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(13) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 947 times in the last 3 years, in 947 inspections, with $1,895,655 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (152), NC (144), TX (98).
- Related part: 1926.1053(b) Use (10,146 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13) 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
(13) The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. 947 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(13).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 67 |
| 2024 | 326 |
| 2025 | 340 |
| 2026 | 214 |
Top states: MD (152), NC (144), TX (98), GA (55), OR (51)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 68201 - JACKSON RENOVATIONS LLC | LEXINGTON, KY | $70,000 |
| 68202 - COMMONWEALTH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS KENTUCKY LLC | LEXINGTON, KY | $70,000 |
| 317738271 - SKYLINE PROJECTS LLC | ESTACADA, OR | $38,883 |
| DROMIN DEVELOPMENT LLC | FRANKFORT, IL | $30,422 |
| M.G. RESIDENTIAL CARPENTRY INC | GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL | $24,842 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(13), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification on whether a worker is allowed to stand on the top step of equipment, similar in design to a step stool (2014-07-08)
- Clarification on when a trestle ladder would be considered a stepladder. (2012-01-03)
- Whether OSHA requirements prohibit working from a portable stepladder and, if not, whether fall protection is required. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b). (2007-11-28)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(b) Use 10,146 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(1) 6,588 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(4) 910 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(16) 382 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(22) 258 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(6) 244 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5) 223 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) 220 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(15) 139 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(9) 116 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(10) 58 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(8) 56 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
Can I stand on the top cap of a stepladder?
No. The top or top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step.
What if I cannot reach the work?
Get a taller stepladder or other suitable equipment instead of standing on the top.
Does this apply to all stepladders?
Yes, it applies to stepladders used in construction under 1926.1053.
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.