1926.1053(b)(20): Face the Ladder
When climbing up or down a ladder, the user must face the ladder.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(20) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $98,520 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MO (6), VA (4), FL (3).
- 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)(20) 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
(20) When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder. 38 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: MO (6), VA (4), FL (3), ME (2), NJ (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $16,550 |
| CHEWNING AND WILMER INCORPORATED | CHESTER, VA | $8,390 |
| ONX HOMES ON VILLA PASS | GROVELAND, FL | $8,276 |
| MTM ROOFING, LLC | HORIZON CITY, TX | $7,367 |
| LMC HOME REMODELING, INC. | BREWER, ME | $7,098 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(20), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1053(b)(20).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(b) Use 10,146 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(1) 6,588 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(13) 947 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
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
Which way should I face on a ladder?
Face the ladder when ascending or descending.
Does this apply going down too?
Yes. It applies to both ascending and descending.
Is this a construction rule?
Yes. It is 1926.1053(b)(20).
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.